Factbox: Five Facts About Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s New Army Chief

KYIV (Reuters) – Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi has been promoted to commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, taking over from Valeriy Zaluzhnyi as the war with Russia approaches its third year. Syrskyi has been a significant figure in the Ukrainian military throughout the full-scale invasion by Russia.

Early Years

Syrskyi was born in July 1965 in the Vladimir region of Russia, then part of the Soviet Union, but has lived in Ukraine since the 1980s. Like many of his contemporaries in Ukraine’s armed forces, he studied in Moscow, attending the Higher Military Command School, where he graduated in 1986. He served for five years in the Soviet Artillery Corps. Military analysts suggest that his tactics may reflect traditional Soviet training.

The Snow Leopard

Syrskyi became head of Ukraine’s land forces in 2019 after commanding troops engaged in combating a Moscow-backed insurgency in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that began in 2014. He earned the call sign "Snow Leopard" during his military career.

Biggest Victories

Syrskyi oversaw some of Ukraine’s most significant victories during the ongoing conflict with Russia. He played a crucial role in the successful defense of Kyiv in the early stages of the invasion and was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, the nation’s highest distinction, in April 2022. In July 2022, he masterminded a rapid counteroffensive that drove Russian forces away from Kharkiv and reclaimed extensive territories in eastern and southeastern Ukraine.

Bakhmut

Last year, Syrskyi led Ukraine’s defense of Bakhmut, a battleground characterized by heavy casualties on both sides. Some analysts questioned the strategy of holding a devastated city at such a high cost, but Syrskyi maintained that the defense significantly hindered Russia’s military efforts by immobilizing the Wagner mercenary group.

Troop Morale

Syrskyi emphasizes the importance of troop morale, often visiting front-line soldiers. He has reported that he typically sleeps for just four-and-a-half hours each night and favors gym workouts as a means of relaxation. He is married and has two sons.