Oleksandr Syrskyi vs Radomir Putnik

As Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Syrskyi oversaw the successful Kharkiv counteroffensive in September 2022. Ukrainian forces recaptured thousands of square kilometers of territory in the Kharkiv region from Russian forces, marking a major turning point in the war.

Syrskyi commanded Ukrainian forces during the prolonged and costly Battle of Bakhmut. The city was eventually captured by Russian forces in May 2023 after months of intense fighting, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides and significant destruction.

President Zelenskyy appointed Syrskyi as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, replacing Valerii Zaluzhnyi. This change occurred during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, amid debates over military strategy and the need for a new approach to the conflict.

Putnik led the Serbian Army to victories against the Ottoman Empire in the First Balkan War and against Bulgaria in the Second Balkan War. These wars doubled Serbia's territory and established it as a regional power.

Putnik was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army. He was responsible for planning and executing military operations during the Balkan Wars and World War I.

Putnik commanded the Serbian Army during the initial Austro-Hungarian invasions. Despite being ill, he directed the successful defense of Serbia, including the victories at Cer and Kolubara.

Putnik led the Serbian Army and government in a winter retreat across the Albanian mountains after a combined German, Austro-Hungarian, and Bulgarian offensive. The retreat saved the army but resulted in heavy casualties from cold, disease, and enemy attacks.