Ukraine's Syrskyi says mobilisation reform is Defence Ministry's remit: "I want to see it as much as the whole country does"
Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has spoken about shortcomings in the new military contract system, concerns over military pay, and his expectations for the reform of enlistment offices.
Source: an opinion piece by Syrskyi for Ukrainian military media outlet Militarnyi
Details: Syrskyi said that around 2,000 people have joined Ukraine's million-strong army under the new contract scheme.
Quote: "However, I have received a large number of demotivated soldiers and officers who expected one set of conditions but got another. The very resolution introducing this 'experiment' raises serious legal questions. Compare this with the pay rise within the Interior Ministry system, which was implemented through amendments to the state budget approved by the Verkhovna Rada [parliament – ed.].
That is the difference between a decision and a presentation. Presentations must not become self-promotion: every slide must be backed by legislation, funding and proper procedures. Otherwise, instead of a solution, the army gets disappointment.
The same applies to mobilisation reform – a task that has been set by the president. The Ground Forces and military enlistment offices are within my chain of command, and we are ready for change. We attend every parliamentary meeting on the issue, report all violations to the State Bureau of Investigation and insist on police involvement.
But the reform itself falls within the ministry's legislative and administrative responsibilities. I want to see it happen as much as the whole country does."
Details: Syrskyi also addressed the issue of military pay.
"The minister himself has publicly stated that part of the funds allocated for service members' salaries has been redirected to buy drones. As a result, funding for salary payments in the second half of the year has become an issue," he wrote.
Syrskyi said the government is now looking for a solution to ensure that every service member receives their salary in full and on time. What matters most is timely payment and confidence that the state is working in their interests rather than engaging in infighting, he added.
Quote: "I'm not at war with the ministry. I'm at war with Russia. The General Staff has never opposed the ministry. We have worked with every minister appointed by the state and will continue to do so. In the army, you don't choose who you serve with. In the army, you follow orders and do your job. And you do it well."
Previously: In the same piece, Syrskyi apologised to former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov and said he had not realised there was a conflict between them.
Background:
- Since 16 July, protests have been taking place in Kyiv and other cities demanding that Fedorov be reinstated as defence minister and that Syrskyi be dismissed.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Fedorov and Syrskyi had been unable to find common ground and that problems on the battlefield, within brigades and with mobilisation remained unresolved.
- On 18 July, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with Fedorov and Syrskyi. He promised that "decisions regarding the army will be worked out".
- Concerned citizens in Kyiv are preparing to hold another protest in support of Fedorov and calling for Syrskyi's dismissal.
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