President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced the adoption of five key decisions to improve combat training and material support for Ukrainian military personnel. These measures are the result of discussions with brigade commanders in the Kharkiv region and subsequent meetings with military command.
In his message on social media on August 5, the president detailed the action plan that relevant military and state structures must implement by Monday.
Reform of the training system
The first direction concerns a radical overhaul of training centers. 'Indeed, training in training centers has already become more effective, but there are still things that need to be implemented,' Zelensky noted. Changes will affect both combat training and psychological, motivational components. The key requirement becomes the integration of real combat experience from the current war into the warriors' training process.
Funding for drones and equipment
The second decision implies a significant increase in direct financing for brigades to purchase drones. According to the president, 'there is money for this.' Meanwhile, a simplified procurement system for pickups for units with direct financing is being implemented, similar to the scheme with drones. 'There should be a real opportunity for our warriors to buy exactly the vehicles they need, in the way that will be the fastest,' the president emphasized.
Expansion of the contract program
The fourth point concerns the expansion of the 18-24 contract program. Options for increasing age limits and expanding circumstances for concluding such contracts are being discussed. Details are to be presented to the public by the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the president's office team.
Reform of the award system
The fifth direction concerns the 'sensitive issue of delays in the execution of decisions on awarding.' Many military personnel from various components of the Defense Forces have been waiting for months to receive state awards due to cumbersome bureaucratic procedures.
The president instructed to minimize paperwork and the number of signatures and approvals, as well as to digitize this area.
By Monday, reports on the implementation of all adopted decisions are expected from the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, the Ministry of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief, the General Staff, and the president's office team.
The announcement of five key decisions to improve the combat training of Ukrainian military personnel by Volodymyr Zelensky indicates a constant concern and heightened attention to the issue of the country's defense capability and readiness to defend state sovereignty. The proposed measures, in particular the reform of the training and awards system for the military, aim to enhance the effectiveness and motivation of fighters and ensure improvements in the Ukrainian army.