Russians keep advancing despite daily losses - General Syrskyi on Russian offensive goals

He shared the information on Telegram.

Commander Syrsky noted that Russian troops continue to advance at the Kupyansk, Lyman and Bakhmut directions.

Syrskyi emphasized that the Bakhmut direction remains extremely important for the Russians. They are concentrating their main efforts there, using the most combat-ready airborne troops, marines and Storm Z and Storm V units formed from former criminals to conduct assault operations. 

"The enemy's goal in this area is clear - it is to attack Chasiv Yar, then Kostyantynivka, Druzhkivka, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk with further reaching the borders of the Donetsk region," noted Syrskyi. 

At the same time, in the Lyman direction, Russian troops have started constant attacks on Ukrainian positions in the directions of Makiivka and Terny. Combat actions are underway in the northeastern border area, with Russian troops actively deploying equipment in their assaults. However, Ukrainian defenders consistently manage to destroy the deployed equipment.

According to the Land Forces commander, daily assaults by Russian troops near Synkivka are aimed at capturing the town and creating a foothold for further offensive on the city of Kupyansk. 

"The situation is difficult. We must fight in conditions of the enemy's superiority in weapons and personnel. However, commanders and staff monitor changes in the situation 24/7, analyze the actions of the enemy and their troops, and make effective management decisions to strengthen defense and destroy the enemy," said Syrskyi. 

He added that the commanders directly in the combat areas made many decisions on how to counter Russian troops. Ukrainian troops are holding the line and destroying the occupying forces in all three directions.

The commander also emphasized that the Russian army suffers heavy losses, which are replenished by the reserves of assault battalions formed from former convicts. Despite daily losses in personnel and equipment, Russian forces continue to conduct offensive operations. 

In the first half of December, Russia lost about 8,000 soldiers in the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Joint Forces Operation Center. In addition, over 500 units of Russian military equipment were destroyed or damaged. Among them: 67 tanks, over 100 armored combat vehicles, 77 cannons and mortars of various calibers.

"Unlike the aggressor, the Ukrainian defense forces are trying to achieve success through thoughtful planning of combat operations and effective use of artillery, mortars, attack drones and small arms. And the lives of our soldiers are the greatest value for us. Minimizing losses is always a priority when planning operations," Syrskyi summarized. 

• As of December 18, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on the elimination of 347,160 Russian soldiers. Over the past day, 105 combat clashes took place on the frontline between Russian occupying troops and Ukrainian defenders. The Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled a series of attacks in 6 directions.