Topix Underground

"...Syrskyi's role in all-out war
In spring 2022, Syrskyi was responsible for the defense of Kyiv. Russia reportedly planned to capture Kyiv "in three days" but instead retreated after sustaining heavy losses in the battle that lasted for over a month.

To carry out the defense of Kyiv, Syrskyi ordered all the military training centers to create special temporary battalions and deliver artillery systems normally used for training to the capital, as he then told the Washington Post.

“Syrskyi divided the city and the surrounding region into sectors and assigned generals from the military education centers to lead each area, creating a clear chain of command to which all Ukrainian military units and security services would answer," wrote the Washington Post.

"Tactical decisions would be made immediately by officers on the ground without having to consult headquarters."

Syrskyi also commanded Ukraine's counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast in the fall of 2022, which managed to liberate Izium, Balakliia, Kupiansk, and other cities Russia captured at the start of the full-scale invasion.

Back then, Russia was preparing to repel Ukrainian attacks in occupied Kherson Oblast and redeployed part of its forces there, allowing Ukrainians to launch a swift, successful counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast.

"The results were striking. On the first day, we advanced 18 kilometers near Balakliia. The main emphasis was on rapid advancement," Syrskyi said in an interview in February 2023.

Syrskyi commanded the eastern group of troops in 2023, which fought in the hottest areas of the front, including the Battle of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast.

Following 10 months of intense fighting and significant losses on both sides, Russia took Bakhmut in May 2023. Ukraine soon launched a counteroffensive operation making small advances on the northern and southern flanks but so far failing to liberate the city.

From the fall of 2023, the Khortytsia group under Syrskyi's command has been fighting near Kupiansk and Lyman in Kharkiv Oblast, where Ukrainian forces are on defense, facing intensified Russian assaults..."