Russia readies for war of attrition – Syrskyi

He made this statement during a meeting with journalists, Ukrinform reports.

"You know that over the past year, the front line has extended by 200 km and now stretches about 1,200 km," Syrskyi said.

He stressed that Russia is preparing for a drawn-out war of attrition. According to him, this is their core strategy.

"We’re aware of the enemy’s capabilities. Over the past year, they’ve recruited about 440,000 contract soldiers, those fighting for money, high pay, and regional bonuses," the commander-in-chief said.

He added that Russia also has a strategic reserve: "This includes 13 divisions, several regiments and brigades, another 121,000 troops."

"They’re trying to crush us with numbers, to wear us down with sheer mass," Syrskyi said.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that this week Russian forces advanced 200 meters toward Sumy, but Ukrainian troops pushed them back by 200 to 400 meters.