Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has expressed his strong negative feelings towards Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky, the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Medvedev’s comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired General Valerii Zaluzhny and appointed Syrsky as his successor. Zelensky praised Syrsky as Ukraine’s most experienced commander, highlighting his role in leading Ukrainian troops during the 2014 uprising by pro-Russia separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as Ukraine’s successful defense of Kyiv in 2022.
Medvedev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed his “hatred, contempt, and disgust” for Syrsky after examining his biography. Medvedev accused Syrsky of being involved in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire, expressing his regret over the loss of a country that he believed balanced the world order. Furthermore, Medvedev claimed that Syrsky serves the Nazis and accused him of being an admirer of Stepan Bandera, a Nazi collaborator during World War II who is celebrated by far-right Ukrainian nationalists.
It is important to note that Medvedev’s statements should be taken with caution, as he has a history of making hyperbolic statements during the Russia-Ukraine war, including threats of launching nuclear strikes on Kyiv and NATO member states. Despite studying at Moscow’s Higher Military Command School and serving in the Soviet Russian military, Syrsky never served for Russia after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In a previous statement on Telegram, Syrsky acknowledged Russia’s superiority on the battlefield but attributed it to their willingness to sacrifice large numbers of troops in a war of attrition. He emphasized the value placed on the lives of Ukrainian soldiers despite daily losses in personnel and equipment.
The appointment of Syrsky as Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief reflects the country’s determination to strengthen its military capabilities and defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression. With his experience in leading Ukrainian troops during critical moments in the country’s recent history, Syrsky is seen as a capable and experienced leader.
The tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with Medvedev’s comments highlighting the deep-rooted animosity between the two countries. As the conflict persists, it is crucial for international observers to remain vigilant and seek common ground in order to promote peace and stability in the region.