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The Ukrainian Armed Forces are undergoing significant transformations as announced by the Ministry of Defence, initiating an unprecedented reform aimed at enhancing the military service system. This includes the introduction of new contract formats with fixed terms, substantial salary increases for soldiers, and a focus on recruiting foreign volunteers to bolster the front line. Additionally, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have been actively engaged in numerous combat encounters, with 193 clashes reported recently, showcasing their resilience and strategic acumen against aggressor forces. Highlights also include successful operations like the bridge attack in occupied Crimea and the relentless defense efforts by drone operators near the Oskil River. These developments mark a pivotal phase in strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts.
What are the major reforms in the Ukrainian Armed Forces?
The major reforms include the introduction of new contract formats with fixed terms starting from 10 months, significant salary increases for personnel, and a strategic recruitment drive targeting foreign volunteers to strengthen the front line. Additionally, a fast-track return scheme for servicemen from AWOL is also being implemented to ensure better service personnel management and military efficiency.
How many combat engagements have recently occurred involving the Ukrainian Armed Forces?
There have been 193 combat engagements reported by the Ukrainian Armed Forces recently, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing conflict. Fierce fighting has been noted in specific areas like the Pokrovsk direction, showcasing the resilience and strategic prowess of Ukrainian forces in countering aggressor attacks.
What are the salary changes for Ukrainian military personnel?
Under the recent reforms, salaries for infantry personnel can go up to 460,000 UAH per month, while military personnel in the rear can expect an increase to 30,000 hryvnias. These changes aim to enhance financial support for soldiers and boost morale and retention rates within the Armed Forces.
How is the recruitment process changing for the Ukrainian Armed Forces?
The recruitment process is expanding to include foreign volunteers through a large-scale campaign aimed at increasing manpower at the front line. This initiative is part of a broader reform strategy to ensure a robust and diverse military workforce capable of addressing various strategic challenges and enhancing the country's defense capabilities.
What strategic military operations have the Ukrainian Armed Forces recently undertaken?
Recent strategic operations include a successful strike on a bridge and convoy of 50 Russian trucks in Armiansk, occupied Crimea, demonstrating Ukraine's effective tactical responses. Additionally, drone operators have been active near the Oskil River, preventing enemy advancements, and Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets conducted precise airstrikes in the Kursk region.
What advancements are being made in Ukrainian drone operations?
Ukrainian drone operations have seen significant advancements, with specialized units like the TALION battalion eliminating 10 Russian ambush drones. Operator efficiency and technological prowess are key focuses, with ongoing efforts to enhance surveillance, attack precision, and intelligence-gathering capabilities to support broader military objectives.
How is Ukraine honoring its Unmanned Systems Forces?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially established the Day of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, marking it annually on June 11. This new observance celebrates the vital contributions of unmanned systems in the military's operations and strategically emphasizes the ongoing development and importance of drone technology within Ukraine's defense initiatives.
What role do foreign volunteers play in the Ukrainian Armed Forces?
Foreign volunteers are being actively recruited to bolster the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of its comprehensive reform effort. These volunteers bring diverse skill sets and international experience to the military, enhancing the overall strength and strategic capability of Ukraine's defense operations, thereby addressing the enduring challenges posed by ongoing conflicts.
Articles Ukrainian Armed Forces
New contracts, higher salaries and foreigners in AFU: pros and cons of military reform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov have announced the first phase of a major military reform. It involves changes to the approaches to military recruitment, service, and social benefits for service members. 16 390 28 Previously in trend: Reforms in the army
Yurii Butusov: Instead of recruiting foreign assault troops, state is taking taxpayers away from their jobs Yurii Butusov, commander of a UAV company of the 23rd Assault Regiment within the 2nd Corps of the National Guard’s Khartiia, spoke during a livestream about the advantages of bringing in foreign fighters, recruitment problems, and the need for Ukraine to adopt a systematic approach to scaling up this area. 8 739 40 Previously in trend: Foreign troops in Ukraine Foreigners in AFU
Russia brings in significantly more foreign fighters than Ukraine. What should be done? According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Russia plans to recruit 18.5 thousand foreigners into its army in 2026. This is a significant figure — 50% of the monthly mobilization target across Russia, and such a number of people is sufficient for 185 full-strength assault companies. 5 276 31 Previously in trend: Foreigners in AFU Russia is recruiting foreigners for the war in Ukraine
"I cannot help but criticize Syrskyi." Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Kashchenko on why he resigned About Kashchenko’s military path since the start of the war, the reason for his discharge, and what Valerii Zaluzhnyi’s resignation and Oleksandr Syrskyi’s appointment have to do with it. About the chaos surrounding the military medical commission (MMC) process, the reform of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and the consequences of the transition to a corps-based system, the vacuum of command, and how Russian occupation forces exploited it. 14 944 26 Previously in trend: War Dmytro Kashchenko
One very good serviceman said: "If Syrskyi decided so, you won’t change anything," – Armed Forces of Ukraine Major Oleksandr Shyrshyn Oleksandr Shyrshyn is a Major in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the former commander of the Magura Battalion. 12 885 82
DPA and Klopotenko. Bananas with curry, mice in batter Yesterday, the Defense Procurement Agency announced the launch of a joint project with chef Yevhen Klopotenko to develop menus for military units. That same evening, I suspect that both the DPA and Klopotenko himself read a lot of interesting things about themselves. From jokes about "bananas with curry" to sarcastic questions like, "Will there be fried mice in batter?" 17 740 43 Previously in trend: Nutrition in the AFU
"Over four years of full-scale offensive, I have had only 10 days of leave, and I spent even those days on phone and at computer, carrying out commander’s tasks" Last December, Censor.NET launched a project to collect and highlight facts of violations of the rights of service members and veterans. This is important and necessary so that such situations become public, and the state and society make efforts to resolve them. 32 055 41 Previously in trend: Leave for servicemen
Saved: Why Ukrainian army was left without warmers in bitter cold On Thursday, journalist Yulia Kirienko wrote about the problem with warmers on the front lines and the resulting increase in frostbite among soldiers. 13 406 44
"Why did state deny me chance to live?" — story of military doctor with cancer Recently, Censor.NET has begun documenting and reporting on violations of the rights of service members and veterans. The newsroom has been receiving letters with personal stories behind which lie broken lives and systemic problems. Among those who wrote to us is Oleksandr Poliarus, a reserve captain who was discharged from the Armed Forces of Ukraine on health grounds because he has cancer. For nearly three years now, he has been forced to undergo treatment for melanoma in Norway because no free treatment could be found for him in Ukraine. 17 526 51 Previously in trend: Medical care for military personnel
Between two brigades and without pay: why soldiers return from AWOL but can’t serve This year, judging by prosecutors’ statistics, the number of criminal proceedings has increased severalfold. At the same time, the military are publicly saying that there are people who have returned and are ready to carry out combat missions, but there is no simple, fast mechanism to assign them to positions and ensure they receive their monetary allowance. 10 567 7
First three months in army Well, today marks exactly three months since I joined the army. I am eagerly awaiting blackouts on rushka (RF -ed). After all, the enemy only understands force. The force that was promised to him. So, it’s time to act. 22 024 50
Front would have collapsed if it all depended on motivation Sometimes I think about it and ask myself: What the f#cking miracle is it that we still have a frontline?" 14 379 179 Previously in trend: Reforms in the army
They rescued their comrades from captivity, then broke out of encirclement together: feat of infantrymen from National Guard of Ukraine’s "Kara-Dag" Brigade This is a story about those we could have lost. About the soldiers who rescued their comrades from captivity and then found themselves encircled. About the courage of our Cossacks, who did not surrender even when there was no chance. 8 376 3
Feat of Artist’s group: Four captured 15 On December 19, four Russian IFVs broke through to the village of Zahryzove in the Kharkiv region and landed two platoons of troops, numbering over 40 people, in the rear of Ukrainian positions. Pavel Holchynko’s assault group, codenamed Artist, from the 78th Separate Airborne Regiment, received orders to clear the settlement of Russian infantry. 6 011 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
On role of commander In today’s realities, with the shortage of infantry, when the bulk consists of forcibly mobilized, poorly trained people, and given the multitude of challenges a unit faces while carrying out its missions, one of the key criteria for success is a professional command post. Anyone who knows what it means to command people in battle can clearly describe the role and significance of a commander. 8 478 30
Everything is up to court: how Hlyniana and Adamovsky got 4 billion contracts to feed army The most scandalous suppliers of food to the Ministry of Defence have not disappeared and continue to take the biggest chunks of the tenders. Companies from the pool of Tetiana Hlyniana and Andrii Adamovskyi have discovered a new way to win the desired tenders. And the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal is helping them a lot. 10 093 12 Previously in trend: Scandals with procurement in SLO Procurement of products for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
MultiCam VS pixel. Why did fabric change pave way for corruption scandal? Over the past two months, the Ministry of Defense has been facing its second major textile scandal, on which both the timely delivery of military clothing and the multimillion- or even billion-dollar earnings of certain suppliers hinge. 12 369 15 Previously in trend: Clothing procurement for AFU Replacing pixel with multicam
Drug addiction in army – consequence of psychological trauma or crime? The number of military personnel convicted under Criminal Code articles related to drugs has tripled from 2022 to 2024. Before the war, 67 people were convicted annually for "possession without intent to sell," but in 2024 this number reached 1,571! This issue is rarely addressed during the war, but it exists and is becoming increasingly alarming. 9 821 39 Previously in trend: distribution of drugs
"When people ask me what I do for living, I say I’m waitress. Why should everyone know I’m helicopter pilot?" Kateryna is the only female pilot in the army aviation. For now, as professionals say, she occupies the right "seat." In time, she will move to the pilot-in-command’s seat. 60 263 29 Previously in trend: AFU aviation
Iskander strike on 168th reserve battalion: what had happened, who was responsible and how to avoid recurrence? On 1 March, at 15:20, an "Iskander-M" ballistic missile, guided by a hostile drone, struck the location of the 168th reserve battalion of the "East" operational command near the village of Cherkaske, Dnipropetrovsk region. According to sources, up to 39 Ukrainian servicemen were killed and up to 90 wounded. 26 578 51 Previously in trend: blow to training ground in Dnipropetrovsk region
Company commanders of 66th Brigade, Nazarii and Nazar: With attitude of ’I will not go’, enemy will come to where you live After early graduation from the Lviv Ground Forces Academy in 2023, both friends chose to serve in the 66th Brigade. In January, Nazar was severely wounded. Nazar continues to defend the country and take revenge for his comrade. 108 491 38
Formation of army corps, ordered by Zelenskyy, is being delayed due to Minister Umierov’s sluggishness Regarding the reorganization of Ukrainian frontline troops into army corps, approved by the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and announced by V. Zelenskyy. 8 689 22
In memory of Ukrainian soldier Maksym Yemets (Yenot) Maksym Yemets, a Ukrainian warrior—steadfast in battle, responsible for the lives of his subordinates and comrades, who risked his life dozens of times in the fiercest combat zones, sharp-minded, fearless not only before the enemy but also before generals, he served not for rank or position, but for his conscience. He was killed under fire near Pokrovsk on February 4. 7 341 7
Creation of army corps is essential reform of Armed Forces Yurii Butusov, Editor-in-Chief of Censor.NET, commented on the reform of the Defense Forces, which is set to take place across the entire front: the creation of army corps, changes in the structure, organization, and command of the troops. 11 172 14
Butusov on 150-series Brigades: main problems and solutions The livestream by Censor.NET Editor-in-Chief Yurii Butusov is dedicated to the challenges of reserve formation, utilization of personnel, and the manning of Ukrainian forces 10 608 3
Why aren’t our troops taking up strongholds dug by CMA (Civil-Military Administration) in 2024 for 17 billion UAH? When will the Ministry of Defense start building strongholds that protect against drones and are suitable for modern warfare? 38 316 43
Butusov on results of year at front and internal challenges Censor.NET Editor-in-Chief Yurii Butusov’s stream is dedicated to the results of the military year: what happened in the war, the main results and losses in the war. 11 892 11
Filatov, Commander of 1st Da Vinci SAB: We will be able to hold Pokrovsk if we are provided with drones and appropriate solutions Dmytro Filatov, Commander of the 1st Separate Assault Battalion "Da Vinci", on the situation around Pokrovsk and the lack of minimum state supply of drones. 8 649 18
Volunteer fighter Simianyn: "If Myf hadn’t died, we would have occupied checkpoint, and then we would have all been killed there." There is still no street in Dnipro named after the volunteer Simianyn (Family Man), Andrii Shyrokov, a father of three siblings and two adopted children who was killed in 2016 at the Svitlodarsk salient. 10 131 0
How Army+ app was created and what’s in store for it in future Reforms are never easy. Especially if the area you work in has a lot of regulations, secrets and prohibitions. But if you find the right tool and work hard with it, you can change everything. 4 565 22
Critical situation that requires immediate decisions: Butusov on fighting near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove The stream of Censor.NET editor-in-chief Yurii Butusov is dedicated to the situation at the frontline in the area of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. 12 976 19
Rotation of incompetents. How many times do we have to do this?! Yesterday, long-awaited news leaked to the media. Brigadier General Lutsenko has been removed from the command of the OTG "Donetsk". This untalented general had been in command of the most problematic area of our front for about a year. 24 807 78
Adaptation is something that is decisive in war For example, adapting tactics in conjunction with engineering solutions and taking into account our own capabilities. Having more resources, the Russians still seek to rationalize their use to increase efficiency. They have their own pragmatic logic. 4 523 1 Previously in trend: War
"Bradley" combat vehicle driver Slavik, call sign Salty: "Vehicle hits chain of 12 TM mines. Front end smashes, but everyone is alive, even not single seriously injured one" Two cooks and a construction worker, having joined the 47th Magura Brigade, became fearless fighters and took an active part in the counter-offensive in Zaporizhzhia region, evacuated their comrades in arms from the encirclement near Avdiivka, and are now performing missions in the Kursk direction 36 681 6 Previously in trend: War
Decisions that will change situation at front Yurii Butusov, the Editor-in-Chief of Censor.NET, during a stream on YouTube, outlined his own view on ways out of the current situation at the front. He proposed solutions that can be immediately implemented in the AFU in five main areas: leadership, organization, management, planning and utilization. 32 071 41 Previously in trend: War
Situation at front as of 24.10.2024 The stream of October 24 is dedicated to the situation at the front. In particular, Censor.NET Editor-in-Chief Yurii Butusov comments on the situation in 11 frontline areas where the enemy has intensified its actions and is advancing. 17 395 13 Previously in trend: War
Whether military units will be left without electricity, or Why army needs acquisition executive In case you didn’t know, in addition to centralized procurement at the level of two Defense Ministry agencies, the AFU also have procurement at the level of military units. So far, their development has failed, despite the fact that they are a NATO requirement. And the Ministry of Defense’s illiteracy on some issues can lead to the fact that it will be extremely difficult for the military to purchase electricity. 3 937 5
Transfer from unit to unit for servicemen is one of key problems of army I heard a typical story. A contract sergeant, a qualified artilleryman, from a military family, several years of service, fought flawlessly from the beginning of the great invasion, was the right hand of the combatant and senior battery officer, no jambs. And then the commander was replaced. And the new commander, to put it mildly, did not correspond to his position. 9 938 24
Infantryman Vadym Panashchenko: "It was easier in 2022. Now Russians have lot of ’eyes’ and they fly not in dozens, but in hundreds" In the spring of 2022, Vadym Panashchenko, the commander of the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade, defended Kharkiv region, and in the fall he took part in a counter-offensive operation to liberate the occupied territories. Now he is fighting in Donetsk region. And he has seen with his own eyes how the enemy’s tactics have changed in the most difficult areas of the front over the past few years. 5 502 2
Yurii Fedorenko, Commander of Strike Unmanned Aerial System Battalion "Achilles" of 92nd SAB: When war ends, top military officers will be blamed for all grief, heads of "warlords" will roll Yurii Fedorenko, Commander of Strike Unmanned Aerial System Battalion "Achilles" of 92nd SAB, talked to Anna Miroshnychenko about the operation in the Kursk region, the threat of nuclear weapons, the dry law, politics, money and help from partners. 14 489 14 Previously in trend: War
Call sign Scout: "No one said: "Oh, there are more of them, so that’s it, guys, let’s make deal and give something back." No! Everyone is in their place." Denys, with the call sign Scout, joined the army at the age of 19, before the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2009. That was when he signed his first contract. To this day, he still renews them because, as he admits, he likes what he does. Today he is the chief sergeant of the 2nd division of the 1039th anti-aircraft missile regiment. He is fighting in the Pokrovsk sector. 8 221 1 Previously in trend: War
Volodymyr Fokin, Commander of 1st Assault Battalion of 3rd SAB of AFU: State should have thought about what to do with war veterans two years ago How long does it take to train an assaultman? Are men getting on in years needed in the army? Why does the war not end and who benefits from it? Volodymyr Fokin, the Commander of the 1st Assault Battalion of the 3rd SAB of the AFU, told Anna Miroshnychenko about these and other issues. In the program "Who is with Miroshnychenko?" he shared his thoughts on the Azov phenomenon and what Ukraine can learn from Russia. 10 137 7 Previously in trend: War
Events at front: 23.09.2024 Yurii Butusov, Editor-in-Chief of Censor.NET, talks live about the latest developments at the front as of September 23, 2024. 9 908 0 Previously in trend: War
Glen Grant: We need to change ZSU management structure if we want to reform the ZSU and win We are now at a vital stage of the war. One thing stands out in the Ukrainian Armed Forces above all others. It is not the outstanding combat actions of the soldiers on the front line, which rightly deserve worldwide praise, but the fact that the system itself is dysfunctional on many levels, from political to military. 14 228 35
Deputy Minister of Justice Olena Vysotska: "Period for which convict concludes contract with Armed Forces cannot be less than end of martial law. This does not depend on served sentence." More than five thousand convicts have written applications to allow them to serve in the army, and more than half of them have already received a favorable court decision. 11 509 20
People’s hero, Police Officer, Sergeant of AFU Oleksandr Panchenko: "Survivors were ordered to take off their pants to calves so that they could not run, because there was nothing to tie them up with. And I realized by underpants that something was wrong. Two of them turned out to be women." Ten years ago, on July 5, 2014, Girkin’s convoy was breaking through from Sloviansk to Donetsk. They were not allowed to pass through the Ukrainian checkpoint near the stele with the name of the city. A direct participant in that fierce historic battle tells us about it. 34 168 18
What 10 most important qualities are needed for brigade commander to really hold frontline If we want to defeat the enemy and truly save the lives of our soldiers, we must scale up the experience of successful brigades, create divisions on their basis, and promote successful brigade commanders to leadership positions, giving them the right to determine personnel policy. 9 055 9 Previously in trend: War
93rd Brigade Medic Maryna Vedkal: "Every day I realize that this may be my last visit" In 2014, an intensive care unit nurse from Myrnohrad forced the military enlistment office to remove her reservation in order to go to war and help the wounded. For two and a half years of the full-scale invasion, the woman has literally been living in an armored car to stay as close to the positions as possible. 6 480 4 Previously in trend: War
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