Ukrainian commander-in-chief says 2026 will be difficult but armed forces "will overcome challenges" and Russia
Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has summed up the military-related work in 2025, saying that the full-scale war has not halted reforms or the armed forces' development and that the tasks set out for the year are meant to strengthen Ukraine's defence capability in 2026.
Source: Oleksandr Syrskyi, summarising the Ukrainian Armed Forces' work in 2025 on social media
Details: Syrskyi said that one of the key priorities has been the corps reform. During 2025, the Armed Forces of Ukraine formed 16 corps. A second stage is now ongoing, involving regrouping brigades where the situation allows for it so that corps can have their own force packages within their defined areas of responsibility.
He also said that the Armed Forces significantly expanded their drone capabilities, both within the Unmanned Systems Forces and across other branches. In 2025, the Air Force established Unmanned Air Defence Forces and deployed three layers of interception for Shahed-type drones.
Ukraine is also forming new branches of military service, including Cyber Forces and Assault Forces.
Syrskyi also gave figures for Russian losses. He said that the one million mark was passed in summer 2025 and that by the end of the year the number of killed Russian troops exceeded 1.2 million people.
As part of deep-range strike operations, the Armed Forces of Ukraine hit 719 targets deep inside Russia, which the military estimates as having caused Russia about US$15 billion of military and military-economic losses.
Syrskyi also addressed the issue of Ukraine's air defence. He said that Russian forces carried out 624 missile and air strikes during the year, including 52 large-scale attacks. Air defence forces of Ukraine destroyed or downed 27,367 Shahed- or Geran-type drones, 916 cruise missiles, 164 ballistic and hypersonic missiles and 207 guided aerial bombs. He also stressed the need to strengthen mine and explosive barriers and anti-drone protection.
Syrskyi said that the problems are known and work is ongoing to address them. He added that he has set tasks for all military command bodies for 2026.
Quote: "This year will also be difficult but we will certainly overcome both the challenges and the Russian aggressor.
I sincerely thank Ukrainian soldiers, sergeants and officers who selflessly hold the front line and destroy our ancestral enemy. The fight for Ukraine continues."
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