Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has stated his readiness to implement changes regarding mobilisation, as the Army and the Territorial Defence Forces fall under his command. In an interview with «Military», he also apologised to the minister with whom, he said, he had allegedly had a conflict, and explained his position on drones, army command and new contracts for military personnel.
Briefly about the main points
- Syrsky stated that the Army and the Joint Operations Command fall under his authority.
- The Commander-in-Chief said he was ready for changes regarding mobilisation.
- He denied that he allegedly did not support the use of drones in the war.
- Around 2,000 people signed new contracts, but not everyone was satisfied with the terms.
- Syrsky stated that an army cannot be commanded via messaging apps.
A conversation with the minister
Syrsky He said that it had come as a surprise to him to learn of the conflict with «the Minister». He added that he was prepared to apologise if he had offended anyone.
«If I’ve offended anyone in any way:’ Mykhailo Albertovich, »I’m sorry. I can be tough,« said the Commander-in-Chief in the feature »My Job Is War’. He did not elaborate on the circumstances of this conflict.
Conscription and contracts
The Commander-in-Chief noted that the Army and the territorial recruitment and social support centres fall under his command. According to him, the command is prepared for changes regarding mobilisation.
Separately, Syrskyi spoke about the new contracts for military personnel. According to him, around 2,000 people signed them. At the same time, he added, many soldiers remained dissatisfied with the terms.
Drones as part of a weapons system
Syrsky denied the accusation that he does not support the use of drones in the war. He pointed out that the Unmanned Systems Forces were established with his involvement.
At the same time, the Commander-in-Chief emphasised that, whilst drones are important, they cannot secure victory on their own. To achieve this, he said, artillery, air defence, electronic warfare capabilities, engineering equipment and other weapons are also required.
The focus is on the front line, not on media coverage
Syryskyi said that he is not trying to build an image and has no political ambitions, which is why he rarely gives interviews. «I’m dealing with the war. 24/7,» he said.
According to him, a war strategy is not published on social media, and its results must be evident on the front line. He also spoke out against managing the army via messaging apps. These statements highlight his approach, under which public communication should not take the place of military command and the assessment of results.
