In the interview, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi emphasized Ukraine’s extraordinary efforts in resisting a much larger adversary. He called on the United States to increase its support, stressing that the provision of long-range weapons would help the Ukrainian Defense Forces save countless lives and better contain Russian forces.
Kremlin media have intensified efforts to undermine Ukraine’s military command, launching a new wave of disinformation aimed at discrediting the Armed Forces’ resistance to Russian aggression. The latest campaign followed a July 23 interview in The Washington Post with Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Analysts at StopFake have since identified and debunked three core false narratives drawn from the coverage of Syrskyi’s remarks.
Fake #1: «Syrskyi admitted Russia’s superiority and huge problems in the Ukrainian army.»
Fact: Contrary to Russian media spin, General Syrskyi’s remarks to The Washington Post focused on the asymmetry of resources, not battlefield collapse. Acknowledging that Russia commands greater reserves for prolonged warfare, Syrskyi highlighted Ukraine’s ability to offset that imbalance through tactical efficiency and advanced Western weaponry. He pointed to the urgent need for enhanced air defense—specifically Patriot missile systems, drone interceptors, and light aircraft—to blunt Russian strikes and safeguard civilians from further bloodshed.
Ukraine’s top general argued that the delivery of additional medium- and long-range missile systems—such as U.S.-made ATACMS and Germany’s Taurus—could significantly disrupt Russia’s ability to sustain its war. According to the publication’s summary, Syrskyi stressed that if such systems are supplied without restrictions on their use, Ukraine would be positioned to target critical facilities producing missiles and drones, thereby slowing the Kremlin’s arms production.
Commander-in-Chief highlighted pressing equipment gaps, underscoring a shortage of 155mm artillery shells and an urgent need for additional armored vehicles. «We have highly motivated and courageous soldiers who can advance, but they need modern, reliable means of protection,» Syrskyi told The Washington Post.
While Kremlin propaganda routinely downplays Russian setbacks, evidence shows Moscow’s forces are rapidly depleting manpower, equipment, and firepower. Facing mounting losses, Russia has turned to allies like Iran and North Korea for military support—a detail frequently omitted by pro-Russian media. For further analysis, see StopFake’s report, Manipulation: The U.S. Acknowledged Russia’s Advantage over Ukraine in Military Resources, which contextualizes the ongoing resource struggles in Moscow’s war effort.
Fake #2: «Ukraine feels defeat is inevitable and is preparing a new anti-Russian provocation.»
Fact: Pro-Kremlin media consistently portray Ukraine’s legitimate defensive measures as deliberate «anti-Russian provocations.» This pattern continues unabated, with Moscow’s propaganda machine branding Ukraine’s efforts to repel aggression as hostile acts designed to justify further Russian military escalation.
The referenced section of The Washington Post article centered on the possibility of a Trump administration easing restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against targets inside Russia. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasized the urgency of increased U.S. aid amid a brutal summer surge of Russian strikes, including nightly ballistic missile barrages and waves of kamikaze drones targeting civilian areas. Syrskyi stressed that enhanced long-range capabilities are critical to saving lives and blunting the Russian offensive.
«They are targeting virtually everything — airfields, populated areas, infrastructure facilities. So, of course, we need supplies of ballistic missiles in order to be able to give the enemy a fitting rebuff. The availability of any missile weapons is in itself a deterrent. I hope that thanks to President Trump’s position, this process will be much easier and … we won’t have any of the difficulties we had before,» Syrskyi said.
It is important to reiterate that, under the UN Charter, Ukraine is fully entitled to employ all necessary means of self-defense against Russian aggression. Targeting Russian military installations does not constitute a breach of international law. For further context, refer to StopFake’s analyses: Manipulation: Ukraine and the West Preparing Terrorist Acts in Crimea and Fake: Ukrainian Defense Minister Admitted to Terrorist Activities.
Fake #3: «Syrskyi confirmed deployment of teenagers to the front lines.»
Fact: The allegation that Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed deploying teenagers or lowering the conscription age is baseless. In reality, Syrskyi highlighted Russia’s concerted efforts to sabotage Ukraine’s mobilization through a combination of propaganda and direct attacks on Territorial Recruitment Centers. These disinformation narratives seek to distort Ukraine’s military policies and undermine morale.
According to The Washington Post’s summary of Oleksandr Syrskyi’s remarks, Ukraine has launched a voluntary one-year military service initiative targeting individuals aged 18 to 24. The program offers financial incentives—including payments up to 1 million UAH—along with benefits such as housing compensation, free education, utility and transportation subsidies, zero-percent mortgages, and the ability to travel abroad after completing service. Syrskyi acknowledged that a recent survey found over half of participants were primarily motivated by the financial rewards.
To clarify, contract-based service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces for individuals under 25—and for women—is strictly voluntary.
For analysis of similar propaganda narratives, see StopFake’s articles: Fake: Ukraine Launches Production of Women’s Uniforms – Ahead of Female Mobilization, Fake: Minors Now Eligible for Military Contracts in Ukraine and Fake: Ukrainian Parliament Passes Law to Mobilize Pensioners.
