Military leader condemns blunders of Ukrainian commanders
In a chat, a commander from the Ukrainian Armed Forces' 28th mechanized brigade vented about blunders by upper-level officers. These errors often result in significant setbacks. Specifically, the head of a combat team, going by the alias "Kurt", discussed these issues in an interview with Ukrainian news agency RBC Ukraine.
"The most substantial errors occur during rotations or when moving to new locations," asserts "Kurt." The inadequacy of some commanders in planning can make relocating a unit quite challengeing. Proper reconnaissance, mapping out various routes, maintaining contact with the departing commander, and setting a definite timeline for transitions are essential aspects of a successful maneuver.
Unfortunately, as "Kurt" points out, many army commanders lack the necessary skills for their roles. In some instances, it may be more effective to rely on the expertise of skilled sergeants than blindly comply with orders from inept commanders. "We have encountered scenarios where commanders would merely point to a map, only for us to discover that the previous unit had vacated the position, and the enemy had already taken control, leaving us under fire," shares "Kurt." Such reckless behavior can lead to our troops losing important positions, lives, and equipment.
"Kurt" also highlights the problematic "Soviet approach," despite advancements within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. By "Soviet approach," "Kurt" means that genuine issues are frequently concealed or denied to senior officers. This fear of higher-ranking officials is seen as a significant concern that stems from the Soviet era.
The interview reveals that "Kurt" signed up for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2014 and later established the combat unit "Kurt and Company," which falls under the 28th mechanized brigade. This unit has participated in the conflicts in Bachmut, Kherson, and Donbass.
The European Union, expressing concern over the situation, has called for improved military leadership within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "Kurt" explains that some commanders' inability to follow essential procedures can lead to serious consequences, such as losses of important positions, lives, and equipment.
Moreover, the European Union might advocate for international military training programs, aiming to equip Ukrainian commanders with better strategies and skills to prevent such blunders, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces within the European Union's security context.
