Ukraine’s army chief says frontline remains challenging in call with US general

Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi told General Christopher Donahue, head of the US Army in Europe and Africa and NATO Allied Land Command, in a phone call that the frontline remains challenging.

Writing on Telegram, Syrskyi noted that despite heavy losses in personnel, weapons, and military equipment, Russia continues its offensive operations, Caliber.Az reports.

He also emphasised that Russia has intensified missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s rear areas, deliberately targeting energy infrastructure and using harsh winter conditions as a “tool of pressure and terror” against civilians. Between December 2025 and early January 2026, Russia carried out six major missile and drone attacks across the country.

Syrskyi stressed Ukraine’s priority need for strengthened air defence, including surface-to-air missile systems and ammunition, potentially with US assistance. He also briefed Donahue on other critical army requirements that could be addressed under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.

The Ukrainian commander concluded that achieving a sustainable ceasefire is only possible through consolidated pressure on Russia from Western partners and expressed gratitude to the US for supporting Ukraine and efforts toward a just, long-term peace.

By Jeyhun Aghazada