Ukraine’s Soldiers Brace for Uncertain Leadership

In Ukraine, uncertainty lingers as the President’s Office has yet to clarify the future of the country’s military leader. Amidst these unresolved questions, Oleksandr Syrskyi, a potential successor to the current army chief, visited troops near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. On his Telegram channel, Syrskyi provided a straightforward update, stating, “The operational situation remains tense. Heavy fighting is taking place along all sectors of the frontline.”

Syrskyi’s comments avoided direct reference to the rumored dismissal of army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi by President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid disagreements over Ukraine’s military strategy following the stalled counteroffensive. However, he did acknowledge the challenging issue of troop strength, noting Russia’s continual deployment of fresh forces.

The reported discord between Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi, particularly over Zaluzhnyi’s December proposal for a significant mobilization effort, has heightened tensions. While CNN reported Zelensky’s decision to replace Zaluzhnyi, an official denial was issued, though a source hinted at an impending announcement. As of Sunday morning, Zaluzhnyi remained in his position.

In a recent CNN opinion piece, Zaluzhnyi expressed frustration over the challenges in bolstering the Ukrainian military’s manpower. The area visited by Syrskyi has seen Ukrainian setbacks recently, with Russian forces exerting significant pressure, particularly around Tabaivka, near the Luhansk and Kharkiv regions border.

Saturday evening’s General Staff report detailed ongoing Russian bombardments in over 15 settlements in the region. Illia Yevlash, a senior army spokesman, highlighted Ukraine’s ammunition scarcity and Russia’s equipment and personnel advantages on Ukrainian television. Despite this, he noted a decrease in Russian artillery usage, suggesting possible ammunition limitations for Russian forces.

Yevlash also spoke about the intense conflict in Bakhmut, where Russian efforts are concentrated on breaching Ukrainian defenses and advancing towards Chasiv Yar. A Ukrainian sniper, Oleksandr, described the exhausting nature of the prolonged conflict, with both sides deeply entrenched.

Russian forces have also been focusing on Avdiivka and its substantial coke plant, attempting encirclement. The Deep State mapping service reports Russian advancements north of Avdiivka, but Dmytro Lazutkin of the 47th brigade offered a more optimistic view, claiming his unit was inflicting heavy casualties on Russian forces and maintaining crucial supply lines to the town.