'We underestimate our own strength': Ukrainian officer on Russia's offensive capabilities
global.espreso.tv
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:08:00 +0200

Ivan Kyrychevskyi, serviceman with the 413th Special Operations Forces Regiment Raid and Defense Express expert, stated this on Espreso TV."Russia's ultimate goal is the complete occupation of Ukrainian territory, which the Kremlin announces from time to time. This is their strategic objective. Currently, they are advancing at the operational-tactical level. The problem is that to achieve this goal, they have mobilized the maximum amount of available resources. However, fortunately, these resources are insufficient.After all, if we look at World War II, when combat intensity was at a similar level, Soviet forces needed approximately 3 million troops to reclaim Ukrainian territory from German forces," Kyrychevskyi noted.According to the serviceman, even using inflated estimates of the Russian army's strength and assuming they would suffer no losses in battles with Ukraine's Armed Forces, the Russians could only assemble a force of 1.5 to 3 million troops by 2030 at the earliest. So we find ourselves in a unique situation where, on one hand, Ukrainian military and political leadership makes certain statements to keep our partners engaged. On the other hand, there is the reality that the Russians have maximalist goals and don't plan to abandon them, directing all available resources toward achieving them, but fortunately, are unable to succeed."First, in some areas the enemy isn't making as much effort as needed, and second - we sometimes underestimate our own strength. Europe currently couldn't withstand a force of 710,000 Russian troops. At the same time, despite all our internal problems, we have assembled such a force and are holding back the Russians.The battles for Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, and other key areas have been ongoing for several months, so it's too early to talk about a Russian army victory," Kyrychevskyi concluded.








