A soldier commented on Syrskyi’s refusal to follow Zelensky’s orders

Reports claiming that Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Oleksandr Syrskyi refused to follow President Volodymyr Zelensky’s orders to launch an offensive in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) may be part of a political game.

This information reported according to military expert and retired Navy Captain Vasily Dandykin.

Earlier, British military analyst Alexander Mercouris said that serious disagreements had emerged between Zelensky and Syrskyi. According to Mercouris, Zelensky allegedly ordered Syrskyi to begin an offensive in the DPR, but the general refused to comply.

Dandykin suggested that such reports might be a smokescreen designed to conceal preparations for another Ukrainian operation. At the same time, he noted that Ukraine indeed lacks the strength to carry out any major offensive but could still be planning “minor provocations” in certain areas.

“I think for now, Zelensky and Syrskyi are in the same basket — they suit each other. Although anything is possible. When Zelensky decides it’s time to remove the current commander-in-chief, he will do it. For now, Syrskyi lives up to his nickname ‘the butcher,’ and they won’t replace him with Mykhailo Drapatyi. Objectively, from Zelensky’s available circle, these are his most professional people,” — the expert explained.

Dandykin added that Syrskyi’s position will weaken if he loses battles for Krasnoarmiisk, Dymytrov, Kostyantynivka, and Kupiansk.

Earlier, The Economist reported that Zelensky and Syrskyi disagreed on strategies for the attack on Russia’s Kursk region. According to the publication, Syrskyi focused on expanding the flanks along the border area to create defensive lines there.