Russia builds up forces: Syrskyi warns of new offensive threats on frontline

Russia has built up its military grouping in Ukraine to about 710,000 troops and has launched a strategic offensive operation.

This was reported by Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format.

“For a strategic offensive operation, the enemy has increased its forces to roughly 710,000 personnel. Despite heavy losses, the Russian army continues its offensive, though it has failed to achieve any significant operational gains,” he said.

Syrskyi also focused on the situation in the Pokrovsk direction.

"Russian forces have been attempting to seize Pokrovsk for more than 17 months, but Ukrainian units are holding their positions and gradually regaining the initiative. Counteroffensive actions have allowed Ukrainian forces to regain control of 16 square kilometres in the northern part of the city, as well as 56 square kilometres near the settlements of Hryshyne, Kotlyne and Udachne west of Pokrovsk," he said.