Syrskyi Says Ukraine Has Reclaimed 700 Square Kilometers This Year Ahead of Exit

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Reuters, outgoing Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Wednesday, July 22, that Ukraine has reclaimed 700 square kilometers of territory this year and confirmed he will step down. In a Telegram statement, Syrskyi said he would hand over to his successor an army that not only holds its positions but also goes on the offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday, July 21, that young major-general Andriy Hnatov will replace Syrskyi after several days of street protests. Last week, Ukraine carried out a major government reshuffle that included the dismissal of reformist Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, exposing deep divisions within the country's defense leadership.