Syrskyi signs order mandating troop rotations after two months on frontline

Under the order, commanders must ensure conditions for troops to remain at positions for up to two months, followed by mandatory rotation within one month. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said rotations should be planned in advance, taking into account the situation, the nature of combat operations and available forces and resources.

After completing combat missions and rotation, troops must undergo medical examinations and be given time to rest, the order states.

It also requires the timely supply of frontline positions with ammunition and food.

“Compliance with the order will be under strict control. Violations will entail inevitable accountability in accordance with current legislation and the statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The order is mandatory for all units performing combat tasks on the front line,” Syrskyi wrote on social media.

On April 27, military ombudswoman Olha Reshetylova told Ukrainska Pravda that prolonged deployment at positions remains a major problem in the army, with some troops spending a year or more in dugouts, and that a previous order limiting such deployments to 15 days was not being observed.

Her remarks came amid a situation in the 14th brigade, where soldiers had remained at positions for months amid shortages of food and water. Following the reports, the General Staff announced changes in the brigade and 10th corps leadership and said it would inspect food supply to the front line.