Ukraine's commander-in-chief outlines his principles for leading Armed Forces

Mykhailo Drapatyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has outlined the principles according to which he will lead the Armed Forces.

Source: a document titled "Leadership principles of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the development of the military in wartime", posted on the website of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Details: The document sets out a single objective, eight priorities, 14 requirements for commanders at all levels, and eight expectations of headquarters.

It states that the implementation procedure, specific tasks and performance indicators will be defined in separate documents.

The document says that commanders are required to distinguish between resolve and recklessness, since people are the most valuable combat capability in the armed forces.

The first priority on the list is defending the country and those who live in it.

It also emphasises that military service must become predictable.

The document sets out the objective of changing the system of recruitment, training, military service, rotation, retention and discharge of service personnel to ensure the armed forces' combat capability while also taking into account the needs of service personnel and society.

In addition, commanders and headquarters are required to provide honest assessments and not allow optimism, fear or personal ambitions to distort reality.

Quote: "The standard of conduct is equally binding on generals, officers, sergeants and civilian leaders: there is no place in the Armed Forces for corruption, abuse of power, harassment, discrimination or injustice. A separate requirement for every commander is the responsible use of state resources...

In war, mistakes can cost lives. But a mistake that is acknowledged, analysed and corrected becomes experience. Therefore, I expect every service member to be honest, courageous enough to speak about problems and willing to work together to find solutions."

Details: A separate priority is accelerating adaptation and the introduction of innovations.

Drapatyi also stressed that Ukraine must achieve a lasting and just peace and build its Armed Forces to a level that no aggressor will consider an attack on Ukraine an acceptable way of achieving its goals in the future.

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