Ukraine recaptured 700 sq km of territory this year, outgoing commander-in-chief says

Ukraine has reclaimed approximately 700 square kilometers (270 square miles) of its territory this year, stated outgoing Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Syrskyi announced his departure from the top military post, confirming he is handing over command to Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi. This transition follows a wider government reshuffle and comes amid reported divisions within Ukraine's defense leadership.

Syrskyi, who has led the army since early 2024, highlighted his tenure, including successfully halting a Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region and an operation in Russia's Kursk region in 2024. He asserted in a Telegram statement that he is leaving behind an army that is not only holding its defensive lines but is also actively on the offensive.

However, Syrskyi's command has not been without controversy. He faced significant criticism for a rigid command style, which some service members alleged resulted in unjustifiably high troop losses. The recent government reshuffle also saw the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, further bringing internal disagreements within the defense establishment to the forefront.

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I am handing over to my successor an army that is not only holding the defense but is also on the offensive.