Some Ukrainian units completely worn out, officer says
Oleksii Herman, an officer serving with Ukraine’s Armed Forces, criticized military leadership for effectively “decimating” veteran units by denying them rotations for reconstitution.
Speaking to NV on July 3, Herman placed much of the blame on former Joint Forces Commander Gen. Yurii Sodol, who was dismissed in June.
“For instance, when my battalion returned, there were no more than three people left in a company; all others were either wounded or killed,” said Herman.
“Who will replenish the ranks? Why decimate combat units that can be preserved and restored? Even if you reduce critical losses to 25%, these 25% will train new arrivals, share their experience, become squad leaders, and lead them into battle in the next deployment.”
Herman suggested that the doctrine “the life of a warrior comes first” is not actually embraced by senior Ukrainian commanders, remaining just a platitude in Defense Ministry’s communications.
“Right now, entire brigades are being wiped out,” he continued.
“Even the 47th [Mechanized Brigade], which is stationed next to me, has few troops left. It’s a very capable, very effective brigade. Pull them back and reinforce them to at least 80%. Working alongside the 47th has been a pleasure. There are many such brigades. But it seems like the plan is to ‘destroy and replace.”
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