Syrskyi Breaks Silence on Army Scandal and Unveils Major Personnel Shifts

Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Speaks Out

According to ХВИЛЯ: For the first time, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has addressed a scandal surrounding military personnel changes. In a column titled 'My Job Is War,' published on the Militarnyi website, he dismissed rumors of a conflict with former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Syrskyi also responded to accusations of sabotage and reluctance to deploy drones in combat operations.

New Military Branches and Payment Issues

Syrskyi announced the creation of the Unmanned Systems Forces as a separate branch of the military. He personally submitted the candidacy of Madyar to the President for the position of commander. Among other appointments he revealed were Apostol, Hnatov, and Andriy Biletsky. Syrskyi noted that under new contracts, agreements had been signed for only about 2,000 soldiers in a million-strong army.

At the same time, he highlighted payment problems that arose from reallocating funds from soldiers' salaries to purchase drones.

“A soldier's salary is not a reserve for redistribution, but a state obligation to people who risk their lives every day,” Syrskyi emphasized. He also stated:

“A million-strong army is not run on WhatsApp. It is run through headquarters, orders, and the accountability of commanders on the ground.”

In conclusion, the Commander-in-Chief stressed: “I am not at war with the ministry. I am at war with Russia.” In his column, he also apologized to Fedorov, saying: “If I have offended anyone in any way: Mykhailo Albertovych, I apologize. I can be tough.” These statements reflect Syrskyi's determination to strengthen the army and enhance its combat readiness amid modern challenges.

Syrskyi's comments underscore the importance of personnel changes in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their impact on the army's combat readiness. Amid the armed conflict, ensuring effective management and coordination among various military command structures is critical. The creation of the Unmanned Systems Forces could mark a significant step toward modernizing the army and boosting its technological capabilities.

Following Syrskyi's remarks, the tensions within the military leadership have become increasingly evident. In a related development, Fedorov has acknowledged a rift with Syrskyi, revealing conditions under which he would consider stepping down. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine's military hierarchy as it navigates internal conflicts while striving to maintain operational effectiveness against external threats.