Russia's offensive ability is broken, Kyiv's former top general tells BBC
Former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi claims that Ukraine has stabilized the front line by inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. He argues that Russia's offensive capabilities are broken, despite high casualties on both sides.
Why it matters
This provides a high-level military assessment of the ongoing conflict, highlighting the strategic stalemate and the human cost of the war.
Image source, Dmytro Vlasov/BBC Image caption, Gen Syrskyi lost his job over the summer after a public disagreement with the defence minister
Ukraine has stabilised the front line and "broken Russia's ability to advance" by killing so many of its men, Ukraine's former commander-in-chief has claimed in an interview with the BBC.
Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi made the comments in an exclusive interview, his first since he was dramatically forced from his post in the summer.
He addressed his sacking, disagreeing with his critics who declared him too "old school" to command Ukraine's new, technologically advanced forces.
He also pushed back against allegations made by soldiers who previously served under him, who told the BBC they were ordered to remain at their positions even when they were almost surrounded by Russians, leading to high losses.
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