In an exclusive interview with Le Monde, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, shed light on the critical decision to launch the Kursk operation—a bold maneuver he deems a strategic success amidst the ongoing war with Russia.

A Necessary Decision

General Syrskyi explained that the operation was unavoidable. As fierce battles raged in the Kharkiv region, Russian forces began redeploying combat units from the Kursk region for what appeared to be a renewed offensive on Sumy. Despite these reinforcements, Russia’s advances faltered, leading them to regroup and launch widespread attacks along the front line.

“I had no choice but to conduct this operation,” Syrskyi stated. “It was necessary to disrupt the offensive on Kharkiv, ease the pressure on all fronts, and prevent a new front from opening on Sumy. So, I decided to strike where Russia had a weak point, with very few soldiers guarding the border.”

A Tactical Success

The Kursk operation, conducted with relatively small forces, capitalized on the element of surprise. Ukrainian forces targeted areas with limited Russian defenses, forcing Moscow to redeploy a significant portion of its best combat units from other fronts to the Kursk region. This disruption allowed Ukraine to stave off Russian objectives across multiple fronts, including Zaporizhzhia and Kupiansk, easing pressure on embattled Ukrainian forces.

Escalating Intensity

Syrskyi noted that the Kursk operation prevented Russia from reaching its objectives over the past year but warned of the war’s escalating intensity. “The number of Russian troops is constantly increasing,” he revealed. “This year, there are 100,000 more Russian soldiers on Ukrainian territory than last year.”

The general also emphasized the evolving nature of the conflict. “The war has reached a technological level where, due to the use of drones, it is as much a battle of technologies as it is of armies,” he said. Drones and advanced weaponry have transformed the battlefield, underscoring the importance of innovation alongside traditional military strategies.

Strategic Implications

The Kursk operation underscores Ukraine’s ability to adapt and seize opportunities amidst immense pressure. By forcing Russia to divert its best combat units, Ukraine has not only disrupted enemy operations but also highlighted the strategic ingenuity of its military leadership.

However, Syrskyi’s remarks also highlight the challenges ahead. With Russia’s troop numbers swelling and the war becoming increasingly technologically advanced, Ukraine faces the dual task of maintaining its resilience on the ground while embracing modern warfare’s rapidly changing dynamics.

As the conflict enters another winter, the Kursk operation stands as a testament to Ukraine’s determination and tactical acumen—a reminder of the high stakes and difficult decisions in its fight for sovereignty.