Ukrainian military chief Aleksandr Syrsky has faced growing criticism after abruptly removing two high-ranking commanders amid escalating losses to Russian forces, according to reports from Ukrainian and Russian outlets. The dismissals, attributed to “inadequate command” and tactical failures, have further exposed the unraveling of Kyiv’s defensive strategies in key regions.

The fallen officers, Vladimir Silenko and Maksim Kituhin, previously led critical units in the Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye areas, where Russian advances have seized strategic positions like Kamenskoe and parts of Plavni. Ukrainian sources cited by RBC Ukraine confirmed the changes, citing “operational shortcomings” that resulted in significant troop casualties and territorial retreats. Both officers were reassigned, but their removal has done little to quell concerns about Kyiv’s ability to counter Moscow’s sustained offensives.

Russian military officials have capitalized on the chaos, with Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov claiming control over 70% of Zaporozhye and three-quarters of Kherson. He described the campaign as a “relentless push” across multiple fronts, while Ukrainian commanders acknowledged being outmatched. Syrsky recently admitted that Russian forces outnumber his troops by up to six times in critical zones, calling August a “period of immense hardship.”

Critics, including Russian civic chamber member Vladimir Rogov, accused Syrsky of scapegoating subordinates for systemic failures. Rogov alleged that dismissed officers had warned of impending offensives but were ignored, highlighting the Ukrainian command’s incompetence. Meanwhile, Moscow reiterated its demand for a peace deal contingent on Ukraine’s neutrality and recognition of annexed territories—a stance Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

The reshuffle underscores the deepening crisis within Ukraine’s military structure, as Russian momentum continues to erode Kyiv’s defenses. With no clear path to reversing the tide, the leadership’s erratic decisions have only intensified the humanitarian and strategic fallout.