Estonian Defense Forces commander Andrus Merilo has visited Ukrainian troops in the southeast direction, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi says. The commanders have received briefings on the operational situation, frontline challenges, and the work of Ukrainian Air Assault Forces and Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS).
Estonia has positioned itself among the most consequential per-capita military aid suppliers to Ukraine and has consistently demonstrated direct command-level involvement in evaluating Ukrainian capabilities and needs.
Syrskyi’s briefings: Air Assault Forces, brigade commanders, and Russian threats
During the visit, Syrskyi held a separate meeting with the leadership of Air Assault Forces and air assault brigade commanders.
The discussions covered Russian operational activities, current threats to Ukrainian positions, and possibilities for reinforcing Ukrainian units operating in the southeast.
Syrskyi did not specify which sector of the southeastern front was visited, as Ukrainian Armed Forces typically restrict precise location details about command-level visits for operational security reasons.
Unmanned Systems Forces briefings
The Commander-in-Chief also spoke with the command of the Unmanned Systems Forces and commanders of assault regiments.
They reported on the state of affairs in their units, supply situations, and results of combat task execution. The SBS briefing comes amid intensified Ukrainian unmanned-systems development, including a $113-million Logistics Lockdown program for middle-strike drones targeting Russian rear targets. The SBS Group was created in June 2025 as Ukraine’s first operationally unified command structure for unmanned systems.
Syrskyi: “Important for international partners to see real frontline situation”
“For international partners, it is important to see the real situation on the front, understand the needs of the Ukrainian military, and evaluate the effectiveness of the provided assistance directly on site,” Syrskyi said.
At the end of the visit, the Commander-in-Chief thanked Ukrainian troops for their service, resilience, and professionalism.
“It is precisely thanks to you that Ukraine holds, fights, and brings closer a just peace,” Syrskyi added.
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