Syrskyi: Ukrainian Forces Gradually Push Occupiers Out of Kupyansk
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian troops are conducting counter-sabotage operations and gradually pushing Russian occupiers out of areas in Kupyansk where they still maintain a presence.
Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced on social media that Ukrainian defense forces are conducting counter-sabotage measures and gradually pushing Russian occupiers out of areas in Kupyansk where they still maintain a presence. Syrskyi noted that the enemy continues to attack with small infantry groups and attempts to infiltrate urban buildings.
Syrskyi worked in the Kharkiv region with troop groupings and units performing combat missions in the Kupyansk direction. Together with the command of the 10th Army Corps and unit commanders, he discussed the operational situation and further actions to improve it in and around Kupyansk. A decision was made to reinforce Ukrainian forces, prioritizing additional firepower, including strike drone systems.
Syrskyi added that the situation in the direction remains difficult, but Ukrainian soldiers hold their positions and continue to destroy the enemy.
Separate context: On July 16, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that the president did not agree to replace Syrskyi. Syrskyi responded to Fedorov's criticism, wishing him to remain on Ukraine's team. President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that Fedorov and the commander-in-chief failed to find common ground and that problems on the battlefield, in brigades, and with mobilization remained unresolved. Zelensky proposed parliament appoint Yevgeniy Khmara as defense minister. On July 16, rallies supporting Fedorov took place in Kyiv and other cities, urging the return of Fedorov to office. The same day, sources said former head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak visited Syrskyi's command post in a frontline region after Fedorov's resignation.
