SYRSKY CALLS FOR UNITY AMID DEBATE OVER UKRAINE’S MILITARY REFORMS
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky has responded to recent public criticism surrounding Ukraine’s military procurement, mobilization, and drone strategy, calling for unity and emphasizing that war is won through practical work—not public disputes.
Addressing reports of tensions with Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Syrsky dismissed suggestions of a personal conflict.
“It was a surprise for me to learn that the Minister and I had a conflict. If I offended anyone—Mykhailo Albertovych, I’m sorry. I can be harsh.”
Syrsky rejected accusations that Ukraine lacks a coherent military strategy, noting that operational planning cannot be conducted in public.
“A war strategy is not a public document or a post on social networks.”
Responding to claims that he opposes expanding drone warfare, Syrsky pointed out that he established Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces as a separate military branch. He stressed that while drones now account for a large share of battlefield losses, they are only effective when supported by artillery, engineering units, electronic warfare, air defense, and other combined-arms capabilities.
On mobilization, Syrsky acknowledged that the current contract system has produced disappointing results, stating that only around 2,000 servicemembers have signed under the new contracts while many existing soldiers were left demoralized because expectations were not met. He added that although the Ground Forces and Territorial Recruitment Centers fall under his command, broader mobilization reform is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense, and he supports ongoing reforms.
Concluding his remarks, Syrsky warned against turning necessary policy debates into personal rivalries.
“I see how people are divided into the ‘Fedorov camp’ and the ‘Syrsky camp.’ The issues of contracts, procurement, and mobilization are far more complex than they appear on social media. The war is won by real work, not the public drama around it.”
Syrsky’s comments appear aimed at easing public tensions within Ukraine’s defense establishment while reaffirming that military decisions must be driven by operational requirements rather than public opinion. At a time when Ukraine is expanding drone production and reforming mobilization, his message underscores the need for coordination between the armed forces, government ministries, and defense industry rather than internal competition.
