Exclusive: Ukraine army chief reveals the strategy behind Kursk incursion

In his first-ever television interview, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, speaks to CNN's Christiane Amanpour about Ukraine's incursion into Russia, morale within the Ukrainian Army and what it's like fighting Russia on the frontline. #CNN #News

[akselmani]

Anyone who says Syrskyi is drunk here, obviously hasn't seen enough drunk people, nor enough tired people. The guy probably catches 3-4 hours of sleep per day, for months now.

[icreatedanaccountforthis]

The frankness of his responses was appreciated.

[DMR-]

I love how this guy actually and directly answers the questions.

[fupopanda]

The general looked so tired. Give the man a nap.

[caseytaylor]

I am embarrassed and angry with my government for not supporting Ukraine to the fullest extent. Both parties have failed Ukraine and have failed to stand by our stated principles in the world. Our fears of escalation will lead to an even greater destabilization and my children will likely pay the price when they are drafted for the coming wars.

[kevinmulcahy]

I tell you what it is gratifying to see an honest response to tough questions.

[kopeducati]

Imagine eisenhowr having to talk to cnn on 23 rd of june 1944

[VictoriaVelasco-yx]

Best general of ukraine is alexander syrsky.humble smart brave and good in tactiks

[wvtmivb]

She should be asking Biden why he's not allowing Ukraine to use long range missiles.

[geoffreywinfield]

Great interview by Christiane, what a fascinating and honest man Syrskyi is.

[joerogain]

''I have President Putin here beside me and he says it wasn't Russia interfering in our Elections and I don't see any reason why it would be Russia interfering in our Elections.''

Donald tRUMP

Helsinki Finland

[igorstar-dreamer]

US delaying the supplies has costed a lot of lives of the Ukrainian people. This war could have been won by the West already.

[cashaeleatemla]

Speaking to Amanpour just after inspecting the frontlines on Thursday, Syrskyi said that there’s no doubt that Ukraine is outgunned and outmanned as it tries to defend itself against the Russian aggression.

Syrskyi was named Ukraine’s commander in chief in February, after President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi. He took over at a particularly difficult time for Ukraine.

The months-long delays in the delivery of US military assistance caused critical ammunition shortages.

At the same time, Ukraine was struggling to replenish its troops, exhausted and diminished after fighting Russia’s relentless offensive for two years.

Syrskyi said recruiting more soldiers was a priority. The Ukrainian government then passed a controversial mobilization law, requiring all men between 18 and 60 to register with Ukraine’s military and to carry their registration documents on them at all times – an effort to make the recruitment process more transparent and fair.

Seven months later, the new recruits are arriving to the frontlines. But several commanders have told CNN that not all of the new soldiers are ready to fight and are routinely abandoning their positions.

Syrskyi told Amanpour that the delays in US military assistance did cause major setbacks on the battlefield and led to a slump in morale – something he admitted was still an issue.

He said he takes frequent trips to the frontlines and makes sure he spends time with his troops.

[mikhail]

excellent interview. Such a great guy! Slava Ukraine.

[odalisvalerio]

His is very honest person and his know Ukrainian lose so many peoples but they fighting for surviving

[kbboy]

This General says Russia has not moved a meter forward in the last few days but even Western media like the BBC, DW, and France24 are admitting that Russia is advancing several hundred meters a day towards Protovsk. He's just not ready to admit their mistakes in diverting soldiers and weakening the main battle area.

[aburakadabura]

First of all, Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 was illegal and violated international commitments. In 1991, the Russian leader met with the leaders of Ukraine and Belarus at Khrushchev's villa and promised to respect each other's borders. Later, in 1994, Russia met with the UK and the US in Budapest and signed a pledge to "guarantee the security and territorial integrity of Ukraine" in exchange for Ukraine handing over more than 1, 500 nuclear warheads to Russia. However, 20 years later, in 2014, Russia broke the pledge and forcibly annexed Crimea. Putin illegally broke this pledge. According to the laws of human society, if a contract is broken, Russia is obligated to return all the goods it received (in this case, the nuclear warheads) to Ukraine.

[joerogain]

I hear the Kursk region of Russia has had a huge influx & increase in foreign tourists visiting on extended vacations.

[whatplanetdowelivein]

Like they will tell the truth and dig themselves a hole...

[sooofisticated]

such a sophisticated journalist…

such grace….