Ukraine surpasses Russia in daily assaults for first time, Syrskyi warns of possible Belarus operation

Ukraine’s Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky said Ukrainian forces have, for the first time, surpassed Russian forces in the number of daily assaults, while warning that Russia is actively planning offensive operations from Belarus that would expand the front line.

In an interview with the Militarniy outlet published Monday, Syrsky said the number of Ukrainian offensive operations for the first time exceeded the number of Russian offensive operations. “But we cannot relax, because the enemy is strong,” Syrsky said.

Syrsky reported that Russian forces have concentrated about 99,000 personnel in the Pokrovsk direction. “This is a huge number. We are doing everything to reduce this number,” he said.

Syrsky warned of a potential new front in the north. “A possible operation in the north is real. We know the data that the Russian General Staff is currently actively calculating and planning offensive operations from the north,” he said.

Assessing comparative losses, Syrsky said Russian losses are 3.5 times greater than Ukrainian losses on the front. “The number of those killed, depending on the day, reaches seven or nine times. This is the ratio of those killed,” Syrsky said.

Syrsky outlined planned military reforms, including increased pay and new contract formats. The minimum monthly financial support for servicemen is expected to be set at 30,000 hryvnias (approximately $683), with additional payments for those in combat roles. Approval for new financial incentives is anticipated by the end of May, Syrsky said.

Full demobilization will only be possible after the war ends, Syrsky said, though mechanisms for release during martial law are being developed. New contract formats include 6-9 months for personnel previously discharged due to health reasons, 10 months for current servicemen, and 2 years or more for volunteer recruits.