Ukraine has regained control of 700 square kilometers of territory this year, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Wednesday, confirming his resignation. TASR informs about it based on a Reuters report.

• In 2026, Ukraine regained 700 square kilometers of occupied territory.
• Oleksandr Syrskyj confirmed his resignation from the position of the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army.
• According to Syrský, the army is capable not only of defense, but also of offensive operations.
• Mykhailo Drapatyy takes command of Syria after protests in Ukrainian cities.
• Syrskyi stopped the Russian offensive near Kharkov and led the operation in Kursk.

“I am handing over to my successor an army that can not only defend itself, but can also attack,” emphasized Syrskyj in a statement on the Telegram platform.

Syrský will be replaced by Mychajlo Drapatyj

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that former ground forces commander Mykhailo Drapatyy would replace Syrsky after several days of protests in Ukrainian cities. This happened after last week’s more extensive changes in the government and the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which showed contradictions in the leadership of the Ukrainian defense, writes Reuters.

Syrskyi has held the post of commander of the armed forces since 2024, but he also played a key role in the defense of Kyiv in the first days of the war and the lightning counter-offensive aimed at regaining large territories in the Kharkiv region. However, he has also drawn criticism for his strict command, which some members of the armed forces say has led to unnecessary casualties among soldiers.

In his statement, the outgoing commander highlighted his achievements so far, which include, for example, the halting of the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region and the operation in the Kursk region of Russia in 2024.