Ukraine’s Military Commander Discusses Roles and Responsibilities Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has revealed that he can still perform 100 push-ups without resting, underscoring his physical resilience amidst the ongoing military operations. His aides report that he rarely sleeps, indicating the demanding nature of his role during the conflict, reports 24brussels.
Syrskyi has articulated his motivation for service, stating, “My understanding of my personal role in protecting the population and citizens drives me. I realize that I must do more and better.” He emphasizes his preference for working alongside infantry forces on the front lines, highlighting the collaborative nature of military operations.
When asked about his upcoming birthday celebrations, Syrskyi indicated it was too early to determine his plans, noting, “It depends on God and my president.” This statement reflects the unpredictable environment in which he and his forces operate.
Under the current state of martial law in Ukraine, as outlined in Article 22 of the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service,” the upper age limit for military service is set at 60 years for lower-ranking officers and 65 years for higher-ranking officers.
On February 8, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Syrskyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Prior to this role, Syrskyi led the Ground Forces since 2019 and was responsible for mobilization efforts and the training of conscripts, as well as overseeing various defensive and offensive military operations.