Syrsky: AFU preparing for new mobilization, recruitment formats, instruction developed on replacing troops on frontline

The enemy is increasing pressure on almost all sections of the front, especially in Pokrovsk axis, where it has concentrated about 106,000 personnel. Enemy activity also remains high in Ocheretyne, Oleksandrivka, Kupiansk and Kostiantynivka axes, as well as in areas along the state border with Russia, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky has said.

"The situation on the line of contact remains difficult. The enemy has intensified offensive actions virtually along the entire front and is regrouping troops. The most tense area now is Pokrovsk axis, where the Russian aggressor has concentrated about 106,000 personnel," he said on Telegram on Friday.

According to him, enemy activity also remains high in Ocheretyne, Oleksandrivka, Kupiansk and Kostiantynivka axes, as well as in areas along the state border with Russia.

Syrsky said units of Ukraine's Defense Forces are disrupting the enemy's plans, firmly holding their lines and, when conditions are favorable, conducting active operations of their own. "Despite constant enemy pressure, Ukrainian warriors continue to carry out missions on Russian territory as well – our presence in Kursk region remains," he said.

"The key to success lies precisely in active defense and initiative on the battlefield. This makes it possible to exhaust the enemy, restore positions and inflict maximum losses on the enemy. Every day, the Russian army loses no fewer than 1,000 servicemen killed and wounded. I emphasized this during a working meeting on the results of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's activities in April 2026," Syrsky said.

According to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, over the course of the month, Joint Fire Support carried out more than 64,900 fire missions. "Our artillerymen remain a significant factor on the battlefield, hitting 8,500 enemy targets over the month, while missile units carried out 74 strikes against the enemy," he added.

According to him, the Defense Forces are steadily increasing missile and drone pressure on the aggressor state. "Priority targets remain oil refining and fuel transportation facilities, production of special chemicals and gunpowder, and other enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex. In April alone, Deep Strike assets hit 84 targets deep inside enemy territory. This is the result of high-quality coordination and interaction among all components of Ukraine's Defense Forces."

In April, the volume of international military-technical assistance also increased. At the same time, Ukraine's own capabilities remain decisive, primarily in repairing, restoring and returning equipment to service.

"We are paying special attention to mobilization and recruitment issues. We are working on implementing the initiative of the President of Ukraine regarding the gradual transition of the army from a mobilization-based to a contract-based manning model. Following the meeting, I set the task of preparing specific proposals from the General Staff on new formats of contract service," Syrsky said.

According to him, an instruction has also already been developed and signed on the mandatory replacement of servicemen in forward positions – no later than after two months of deployment, with an additional month for rotation.

"I thank Ukrainian warriors for their resilience, professionalism and courage. We are working shoulder to shoulder for our common goal – Ukraine's victory," he said.