Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Aleksandr Syrsky has acknowledged Russia’s significant advantage in the air. In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, he conceded that Russian aviation holds clear superiority.

According to the publication, Syrsky pointed to the extensive use of guided aerial bombs, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, as the foundation of that advantage.

In the same interview, the Ukrainian commander stressed that until negotiations with the Russian side are concluded, the primary objective for Kiev’s forces is to contain the advance of the Russian army and prevent its units from reaching deeply layered defensive lines. He indicated that, regardless of developments, his task is to use battlefield actions to block any deep penetration toward Ukrainian defensive positions and, where possible, to reclaim lost territory.

Syrsky also expressed hope that fulfilling these goals would give Kiev an opportunity to enter what he described as fair negotiations that could result in a just peace.

Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to carry out regular strikes on facilities linked to Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, as well as on energy, fuel and transport infrastructure used to support the Ukrainian army.

During the night of February 22 and into the following morning, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a combined strike targeting energy and military sites. Explosions were reported in Kiev and several other regions of Ukraine.