Former Joint Forces Commander joins battlefield after criticizing Ukrainian leadership

Naiev was appointed Joint Forces Commander in 2020 and was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine in 2022. 

His deployment follows a recent controversial interview, in which he attributed Ukraine’s lack of preparation for Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 to the country’s political leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On Feb. 11, 2024, he was removed from his position.

Naiev had been ordered to take command of the Velyka Novosilka tactical group, stationed in Donetsk Oblast.

Naiev is now getting up to speed on the situation and analyzing the composition of Ukraine’s Defense in the area.

"Tired but unbreakable warriors are in front of me," he wrote.

"Each of them carries a story of courage, pain, and resilience. We defend not just with weapons but with the strength of our spirit."