Russia's Forces Expand to 710,000 Troops for High-Stakes Offensive on Ukraine’s Frontlines

Russia has expanded its military presence to approximately 710,000 troops for a strategic offensive against Ukraine.

This was announced by Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, during the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the “Ramstein” format on December 17.

Syrskyi stated that the situation on the frontlines remains challenging. Despite heavy losses, Russia has not abandoned its offensive efforts, although it has not achieved significant operational success.

“To carry out a strategic offensive operation, the enemy has increased its grouping to around 710,000 troops. Despite substantial losses, the Russian army is not giving up its offensive actions, although it has not achieved substantial operational successes,” Syrskyi said.

He also mentioned the effective operations carried out by Ukraine's Defense Forces, particularly noting that Ukrainian forces have pushed Russian troops back from Kupiansk, regaining control of nearly 90% of the city.

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Syrskyi further focused on the Pokrovsk area, pointing out that Russian forces have been trying to capture Pokrovsk for over 17 months.

“Ukrainian units are holding the defense and seizing the initiative. As a result of counteroffensive actions, we regained control over 16 square kilometers in the northern part of the city. We also recaptured 56 square kilometers in the areas of the settlements of Hryshyne, Kotlyne, and Udachne, west of Pokrovsk,” he stated.

Earlier, the deployment of up to 360,000 Russian troops in Belarus sparked renewed concern, particularly after warnings from Roderich Kiesewetter, a foreign policy expert from Germany's CDU  party, who stated that 2026 and 2027 will be pivotal for regional security.

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