---
title: "Syrsky explains why the Ukrainian Armed Forces are creating new brigades: threat of front expansion in the north"
description: "Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky explained the necessity of creating new brigades: Russia plans to expand the front in northern Ukraine by 160 km. The enemy is increasing troop numbers, and Ukraine is forced to react, as old units cannot be \"stretched\" over new territories. 🇺🇦🛡️"
date: 2026-06-25T09:14:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/syrsky-explains-why-armed-forces-of-ukraine-are-creating-new-brigades
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Syrsky explains why the Ukrainian Armed Forces are creating new brigades: threat of front expansion in the north

![Lieutenant General Serhiy Syrs'kyi in military uniform at a meeting discussing the creation of new Ukrainian brigades due to the threat of expanding the front in the north](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/25/syrskiy-obyasnil-sozdanie-novyh-brigad-vsu/syrskiy-obyasnil-sozdanie-novyh-brigad-vsu-1.webp)

Alexander Syrsky, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has outlined the strategy for responding to changes in the enemy's tactics. Given that Russia is considering scenarios for expanding hostilities into northern regions of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces command has decided to form new brigade units. The Commander-in-Chief shared this information in a comment to LIGA.net, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.

### The arithmetic of the front and the threat of expansion

According to Syrsky, the enemy, failing to achieve expected results on the main axes of advance, has adjusted its plans. Moscow is now aiming to expand the area of active operations in northern Ukraine. Estimates suggest this will increase the length of the front line by 160 kilometers.

The Commander-in-Chief emphasized that the enemy retains a numerical advantage in personnel and weaponry. In response to Russia creating new divisions and five brigades this year, Ukraine is forced to react in kind to reliably repel a potential offensive.

### Why existing units cannot simply be reinforced

During the interview, Syrsky explained the logic behind creating new formations rather than simply replenishing existing brigades. He noted that increasing the manpower of a single brigade does not enable it to control a larger territory.

"A brigade cannot be stretched," the Commander-in-Chief explained. He clarified that expanding the roster only increases the lifespan of a combat unit on a specific sector but does not allow it to cover new sections of the front.

The specific nature of the modern front line involves growth not only in width but also in depth. In such a situation, according to Syrsky, "the arithmetic is relentless": new military units are required to hold the territory.

### The situation on the border with Belarus

The decision to reinforce the north is linked to the overall geopolitical situation. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is considering scenarios for expanding the war with the involvement of Belarus. The Belarusian opposition has also passed data to the Kyiv leadership indicating a change in Minsk's role in the conflict.

In June, mobilization exercises took place in the Grodno region, although no signs of preparation for a ground invasion by Belarusian troops have been recorded yet. Nevertheless, Alexander Syrsky has already ordered the strengthening of border defense in the northern direction.

### Diplomatic pressure and repeaters

At the same time, Western media, specifically the Wall Street Journal, are reporting on pressure from the Kremlin on Alexander Lukashenko to open a "second front." In response to these threats, Ukraine has taken tough diplomatic steps.

President Zelenskyy demanded that the Belarusian authorities dismantle at least four repeaters in the Brest and Gomel regions, which, according to Kyiv, were used to coordinate Russian strikes on cities. As a result of the ultimatum, the repeaters ceased operation on June 22. It remains unclear whether the equipment was dismantled or simply switched off.