In a groundbreaking interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi shared exclusive details about a strategic operation that thwarted Russia's plans for a new attack on Ukraine. In his first television interview since assuming the role in February, Gen. Syrskyi revealed that the operation, which involved a surprise cross-border incursion into the Kursk region, proved to be a success.

According to Gen. Syrskyi, the operation effectively reduced the threat of an enemy offensive by preventing Russia from launching a new attack on Ukraine. By shifting the fighting into the enemy's territory, Ukrainian forces aimed to make their adversaries understand the harsh realities of war. The incursion caught American officials off guard, underscoring vulnerabilities within Russia's military despite its numerical and armored advantage.

The Ukrainian military chief outlined the key objectives of the operation, which included halting Russia's use of Kursk as a launching ground for offensive actions, diverting Moscow's focus from other areas, creating a security zone to protect civilian objects from cross-border shelling, taking prisoners of war, and bolstering the morale of Ukrainian troops and the nation as a whole.

Gen. Syrskyi disclosed that Russia had deployed tens of thousands of troops to Kursk, including elite airborne assault forces. Despite immense pressure in the region around Pokrovsk, a strategically significant city that has been the epicenter of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces managed to stall the advances of the Russian forces. The commander-in-chief emphasized that their strategy had successfully impeded the enemy's ability to maneuver and deploy reinforcement forces from other directions.

While acknowledging that Ukraine remains outgunned and outmanned by Russian forces, Gen. Syrskyi emphasized the necessity of employing smarter and more efficient approaches to counter the aggression. The Ukrainian military has leveraged its advanced drone program and other high-tech weaponry to compensate for the material advantage of the Russian military.

Gen. Syrskyi assumed command of the Ukrainian armed forces during a challenging period marked by critical ammunition shortages and the struggle to replenish exhausted and depleted troops after years of relentless Russian aggression. To address these issues, the Ukrainian government passed a mobilization law, requiring all men between 18 and 60 to register with the military. However, some commanders have reported that not all new recruits are adequately prepared for combat, leading to instances of soldiers abandoning their positions.

The commander-in-chief acknowledged that the delays in US military assistance caused setbacks on the battlefield and affected morale among Ukrainian troops. However, he ensured that he frequently visits the frontlines and spends time with his troops, striving to understand their experiences and problems firsthand.

Gen. Syrskyi concluded the interview by expressing gratitude to Ukraine's Western allies for their support, emphasizing the strength and potential of collaboration between nations. "Together we are stronger. Together we can win," he declared, highlighting the importance of unified efforts in the face of ongoing aggression.

The candid interview provided unprecedented insights into the strategic operation that altered the dynamics of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While challenges persist, Gen. Syrskyi's revelations shed light on the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian military in defending their nation's sovereignty.