Syrskyi: Russia Reduces Troops in Strategic Reserve Divisions to Replenish Frontline Losses

Russia has reduced troops in several of its strategic reserve divisions to replenish units depleted by losses on the front lines in Ukraine.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, disclosed this in an interview with TSN.

“We have achieved positive results in destroying the enemy on the battlefield and reducing its capacity to replace its losses,” Syrskyi said.

Russia is facing problems with staffing its military, even though it has increased the financial incentive for signing a military contract.

Syrskyi also added that the Russians continue to replenish their forces with former prisoners and are sending personnel from reduced strategic reserve divisions to the front lines.

In recent years, Russia has expanded a number of brigades into divisions. Specifically, in 2025, the 155th Marine Brigade was reorganized into the 55th Division, and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade was reorganized into the 71st Division.

Due to a shortage of personnel, the Russian command has been forced to halt the formation of these units. Instead, service members are being sent to the front lines to replenish losses in existing units and formations.