Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Aleksandr Syrsky has outlined Kyiv’s military priorities for 2026, placing the focus squarely on defense rather than large-scale offensive action.

In an interview with local media, Syrsky described the coming year’s strategy as one of «strategic defense», aimed at containing Russian forces and holding current positions along the front. The approach centers on maintaining control over existing territories while avoiding major advances.

He made it clear that no significant offensive operations are planned in the near term. Instead, the emphasis will be on wearing down Russian troops while preserving Ukraine’s own resources.

At the same time, Syrsky stressed the importance of retaining the initiative. He indicated that counteroffensive moves remain possible, but only in areas where Russian forces show vulnerabilities. Alongside this, he highlighted the need to build and train reserves for future operations.

The framing of «strategic defense» as a central priority points to clear constraints on the offensive capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.