--- title: "Demobilization in the Ukrainian Armed Forces: Alexander Syrsky Outlines Strict Conditions and Key Risks of the Reform" description: "The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky, explained what determines the reality of demobilization. He named mobilization resources and the need not to undermine the combat readiness of the army as the main factors. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ”»" date: 2026-06-30T17:34:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/demobilization-in-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-syrsky-outlines-strict-conditions-and-key-risks-of-the-reform tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Demobilization in the Ukrainian Armed Forces: Alexander Syrsky Outlines Strict Conditions and Key Risks of the Reform ![Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky in military uniform against a forest background discussing demobilization conditions](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/30/demobilizatsiya-vs-u-syrskiy-oznachil-usloviya-i-riski/demobilizatsiya-vs-u-syrskiy-oznachil-usloviya-i-riski-1.webp) The issue of discharge from service remains one of the most pressing and anticipated among the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Recently, discussions surrounding demobilization have reached a peak, and the army leadership has finally voiced its position regarding the conditions under which this process will become a reality. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky, in an interview with the TSN television channel, cited by RBC-Ukraine, provided a detailed comment on the reform plans. He emphasized that any changes must be well-considered and take into account all possible risks that may arise when implementing new rules. ### Top Priority β€” Combat Readiness of the Army Syrsky pointed out the fundamental problem that the command will face when launching mass demobilization. Primarily, this concerns maintaining a sufficient level of combat readiness of the troops. There is a serious risk that the most experienced and qualified military personnel will be discharged, making them extremely difficult to replace in the shortest possible time. "Reforms are designed precisely to ensure everything is realistic. The question is only about taking into account all those specific features or, so to speak, problematic issues that may arise during the implementation of this reform," noted the Commander-in-Chief. According to him, the process should not be merely formal but must take into account the combat situation and the necessity of holding the front line. ### The Factor of Mobilization Resources Syrsky identified the country's mobilization resources as the key limiting factor for demobilization. The realism of discharge depends directly on how many new soldiers the army can conscript to replace departing veterans. "I see that this is realistic, but there are many restrictions related to our mobilization capabilities. We must take into account how many we can mobilize to ensure the categories that will be discharged. Therefore, there will be certain restrictions here," summarized the commander. He also touched upon the issue of social justice, noting that corresponding proposals have already been prepared regarding certain aspects of demobilization; however, they will be implemented only if a balance of interests is maintained. ### Ministry of Defense Plans and New Contracts Previously, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on the President's plans for the phased discharge of military personnel who have served since 2014 and 2022 by the end of 2026. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov clarified the situation for those who do not yet know the exact dates of their discharge. According to Fedorov, military personnel can sign new contracts for 24 months. In the event that demobilization begins, the President's decree will take precedence over the contract, and the servicemember will be able to leave on legal grounds. The General Staff plans to determine the order of discharge based on the length of service and combat experience. For the convenience of the military, a special calculator is planned to be created, which will allow them to find out the approximate month of demobilization.