Ukrainian Battalion Commander Proposes Launching Private Military Companies

Plan for Public Associations to Fund Combat Units

According to Главком: In a recent interview with the Telegraph, Vitaliy Hersak-commander of the 423rd Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems-proposed forming public associations tied to active combat units to generate revenue for statutory missions. These organizations would be authorized to earn profits, which could then be allocated toward fulfilling the units' official objectives. According to Hersak, the units themselves and their commanding officers could serve as the founders of such entities.

Membership and Future Scope of the New Bodies

These proposed associations would be open to active service members, veterans, their families, volunteers, sponsors, and young people. Looking ahead, Hersak suggested granting these associations the authority to establish:

• private military companies;
• non-state border security firms;
• commercial customs checkpoint operators;
• public safety companies.

He stressed that this concept deserves implementation, using the Ukrainian proverb

“a dog in the manger-Vitaliy Hersak”

as an illustration.

For context, Hersak voluntarily enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in early 2022. He now commands the 423rd Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems, which operates on the Zaporizhzhia front. Notably, in late 2025, he was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, Third Class, in recognition of his service.

Beyond the immediate proposal, Hersak envisions a broader network of sports and military-patriotic clubs, training and educational centers, active recreation camps, rehabilitation facilities, patronage and recruitment services, housing cooperatives, and commercial enterprises to employ former soldiers. These initiatives could significantly improve veterans' and service members' lives by opening up new professional opportunities and aiding their social reintegration.

Hersak's call for public associations highlights the need for innovative funding models for military units and veteran support. The commander's ideas could boost units' financial independence while creating effective mechanisms for integrating veterans into civilian society-a critical task in the post-war period. Developing such organizations may represent a major step toward social protection and support for those returning to civilian life.

In light of the recent proposal by Vitaliy Hersak, it's essential to consider how funding initiatives, such as the March combat pay funded by the Defense Ministry, can impact the morale and operational capabilities of Ukrainian troops. Such financial support not only aids current service members but also sets a precedent for future funding mechanisms aimed at enhancing military effectiveness.