---
title: "Syrsky warns of Russia's plans to seize new territories: Ukrainian forces strengthen engineering defense"
description: "Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky warned that Russia is preparing new offensives and attempting to create a \"buffer zone\" in northern Ukraine. In response, Ukrainian forces are strengthening engineering protection and developing anti-drone defense, relying on the experience of 2026. 🛡️🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-17T13:46:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/syrsky-warns-of-russia-plans-to-seize-new-territories-ukrainian-forces-strengthen-defense
tags: [syrskyi, ukraine, russia, military-defense, engineering-obstacles]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Syrsky warns of Russia's plans to seize new territories: Ukrainian forces strengthen engineering defense

![Lieutenant General Serhiy Tsiganok (Syrsky) in military uniform against the backdrop of the GSH ZSU logo, discussing Russia's plans to seize territories and strengthening engineering defense](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/17/syrskiy-predupredil-o-planah-rf-po-zahvatu-territoriy/syrskiy-predupredil-o-planah-rf-po-zahvatu-territoriy-1.webp)

Alexander Syrsky, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated that the Russian Armed Forces have not abandoned their intention to seize new Ukrainian territories. According to him, the enemy continues to prepare for further offensive actions, striving to create a so-called "buffer zone" in the north of the country.

RBC-Ukraine reports this, citing Syrsky's publication on Facebook. In his statement, the Commander noted that despite significant losses, Russia is increasing the volume of weapons production and preparing for new operations across a wide section of the front.

### Enemy tactics and Ukrainian countermeasures

According to information from Syrsky, Russian troops are attempting to identify vulnerabilities in the Ukrainian defense and are making attempts to penetrate the inter-positional space. In this regard, the Ukrainian side is relying on comprehensive protection.

Under current conditions, particular importance is attached to:

- Fortification structures and engineering obstacles;

- Anti-drone defense systems;

- Preparation of settlements for defense.

Syrsky emphasized that the combination of these elements with effective fire suppression allows for holding the lines, reducing the enemy's offensive potential, and preserving the lives of defenders.

### Meeting on fortification issues

During a working meeting, the Commander-in-Chief heard reports from the Commander of the Joint Forces, commanders of troop groupings, as well as heads of regional military administrations and the head of the State Special Transport Administration.

Participants of the meeting analyzed the pace and quality of engineering equipment for defensive lines, the state of anti-drone protection, and the readiness of settlements. As a result of the discussion, priority tasks and specific solutions to address problematic issues were identified.

Syrsky reminded that in the first half of 2026, systematic work on engineering equipment for echeloned defense was successfully organized. The main goal of Ukrainian forces remains unchanged — to prevent Russia from realizing its plans, to retain the initiative in defense, and to stabilize the situation on the front.

### The role of technology in modern warfare

In the context of the current situation, experts note that the mass use of Ukrainian drones with artificial intelligence elements has significantly changed the situation on the battlefield. According to estimates, these technologies have become one of the key reasons for the sharp increase in losses among Russian military personnel, significantly reducing their chances of survival during assault operations.