Ukraine will continue to carry out offensive military operations, as victory cannot be achieved through defense alone, the country’s top military commander said, warning that Russia’s strategic plans for 2026 remain unchanged and aimed at all of Ukraine.
Speaking in an interview with LB.ua, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Oleksandr Syrsky said Russia is sticking to its long-term objectives, adjusting only timelines, troop numbers and weapons supplies.
“All directions of their offensive actions remain the same,” Syrsky said.
“Only the timing, the amount of weapons and personnel change. Everything else remains as it was. They are following their plans.”
Syrsky said Ukraine will continue a strategic defensive operation while simultaneously conducting offensives to maintain operational initiative.
“We understand that you cannot win a war by defense alone,” he said. “That is why we will conduct offensive operations and fight to retain the initiative.”
He said this approach obliges Russian forces to divert significant manpower, weapons and ammunition to contain Ukrainian actions.
According to Syrsky, Russia plans to mobilize more than 400,000 troops in 2026 and form at least 11 new divisions, continuing objectives that were not achieved last year.
“Of course they plan to increase their strength,” he said.
“They intend to form no fewer than 11 divisions and conscript about 409,000 personnel.”
Syrsky said Russia’s larger population gives it an advantage in manpower, citing an estimated mobilization potential of more than 20 million people and a trained reserve of about 4.5 million who could be deployed to reinforce units.