Lawmaker Slams Creation of New Artillery Brigades in 2025, Calls for Army Overhaul

Artillery Brigade Expansion Draws Fire from Parliamentarian

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukrainian MP Ruslan Horbenko has sharply criticized the decision to establish new artillery brigades in 2025, while voicing support for allowing men aged 18–22 to travel abroad-provided they complete basic military training (BMT). He also proposed a sweeping military reform centered on loss analysis, disbanding underperforming brigades, and scaling up drone and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) deployments. In an interview with Telegraf, Horbenko stated:

'I was astonished that in 2025 we were still pursuing the practice of creating new artillery brigades.' - Ruslan Horbenko

Horbenko further highlighted that in some pre-war brigades, only up to 20% of artillery barrels remain operational. 'You ask: How many working barrels do you have in the brigade? Unfortunately, up to 20%,' he added. Pointing to cases of failed leadership, the lawmaker urged disbanding such units:

'In some brigades with poor command, we haven’t been able to restore order for years. So I believe we should apply the practice of disbanding these brigades.' - Ruslan Horbenko

Backing Youth Travel and Military Modernization

Horbenko also endorsed the government’s decision to permit men aged 18–22 to leave the country, but with a key condition: 'I support this decision, but with one exception: these young men must complete BMT.' He expressed confidence that recruiters and psychologists could find willing volunteers, rather than having them work in Poland for a thousand euros. In this context, he referenced an upcoming pay raise mentioned by the president: 'A salary increase is on the way. In principle, you can earn significant money operating UGVs and drones.'

Emphasizing the need for a fundamental shift in military strategy, Horbenko asserted: 'We must completely reform the approach in the army.' He argued that equipping troops with modern drones and UGVs would allow for more precise identification of who is needed in service. 'Frankly speaking-young people who can operate UGVs, like playing a PlayStation, from 500 kilometers behind the front line. This practice exists, but it needs to be scaled up.'

On the topic of casualty analysis, the MP noted: 'Mykhailo Fedorov has introduced the concept of loss analysis. Why did losses occur, under whose orders, and what was done to ensure evacuation? Otherwise, we simply won’t win this war.' He also stressed the daily use of mixed systems: 'We must protect our troops and increasingly practice the daily use of combined systems, where both drones and UGVs operate together.'

Horbenko concluded by highlighting labor market challenges: 'Many enterprises can’t find drivers, tractor operators, or excavator operators for infrastructure restoration. If there’s no capacity to rebuild, businesses close.'

Horbenko’s criticism and proposals reflect pressing issues facing Ukraine’s military and society during wartime. His call for army reform and modernization of service approaches suggests a need to adapt to contemporary challenges, particularly in resource efficiency and youth engagement. Meanwhile, supporting travel for young men contingent on military training could offer a compromise between national needs and personal aspirations. This also underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing social and economic problems in wartime.

As discussions around military reform intensify, it's noteworthy that a recent report indicates a significant demographic shift in Ukraine's armed forces, with over 50% of new recruits by 2026 expected to be men aged 50 and older. This trend raises questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of the military's current structure. For further insights on this evolving situation, you can read more about the anticipated changes in recruitment strategies here.