Ukraine orders mandatory troop rotations, frontline missions capped at 2 months
Photo: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi (president.gov.ua)
From now on, the stay of servicemen on positions must last no more than 2 months, followed by mandatory rotation, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Under conditions of drone dominance on the battlefield, the very logic of conducting combat operations is changing.
The concepts of the front line, rear, and depth of battle formations have greatly transformed. Logistics and movement have become more complicated both on the battlefield and from the front line to the rear.
“To preserve the life and health of servicemen performing tasks both on the line of combat contact and in the depth of defense, I signed an order on the mandatory rotation of servicemen performing tasks on the front line,” the Commander-in-Chief noted.
He emphasized that commanders must ensure conditions for servicemen to remain on duty for up to 2 months, followed by mandatory replacement (rotation), which must be carried out within one month.
Rotations must be planned in advance, taking into account the situation, the nature of combat operations, and the available forces and means.
The order also defines mandatory requirements:
- Undergoing a medical examination and providing time for rest to servicemen who have completed combat tasks;
- Timely provision (replenishment of supplies) of ammunition and food to servicemen performing combat (special) tasks on positions.
“Compliance with the requirements of the order will be under strict control. For violations — inevitable responsibility in accordance with current legislation and the statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The order is mandatory for execution by all units performing combat tasks on the front line,” Syrskyi noted.
Rotations on the front line
Earlier, military ombudsman Olha Reshetylova proposed to limit the duration of soldiers’ stay on the front line.
According to her, after 40 days on positions, soldiers become indifferent to whether they survive or not. Such prolonged stay on positions cannot be considered effective.
This statement came after the scandal involving fighters from the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade, whose relatives report critical conditions on the positions. Information about the lack of food and water among the servicemen caused resonance and a reaction from the General Staff. The result was the dismissal of top commanders.
