Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky, in his column on the Militarnyi portal, outlined the position of the Ground Forces regarding upcoming reforms in mobilization and military pay. The General defined clear boundaries of responsibility between the military command and the Ministry of Defense, while also sharply criticizing attempts to use soldiers' salaries as a funding source for equipment procurement.
Readiness for change and boundaries of responsibility
Syrsky confirmed that the Ground Forces command and the Territorial Recruitment and Resource Centers (TRRCs) are fully prepared to implement mobilization reforms. According to the Commander-in-Chief, the military maintains constant contact with legislators, attends Verkhovna Rada sessions, and insists on involving law enforcement agencies in combating violations.
However, the General emphasized that the actual implementation of the reform is purely legislative and administrative work, falling within the Ministry of Defense's zone of responsibility. "I am waiting for it just as the entire country is waiting," Syrsky summarized, noting that while the army is ready for change, it requires clear legal mechanisms from the state.
Salary as a state obligation
The Commander-in-Chief paid special attention to the issue of military pay. In response to statements by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov suggesting that part of the funds from soldiers' salaries was allegedly directed toward drone procurement, Syrsky spoke categorically.
"A soldier's salary is not a reserve for redistribution, but a state obligation to people risking their lives daily," the General declared. He emphasized that the government and command are seeking a solution to ensure payments are made on time and in full, noting that "there is simply no other option".
Syrsky also called for accountability in financial decision-making: "One cannot make decisions involving billions without calculating the consequences for millions of people".
Contracts and legal risks
The situation regarding contract service also raises serious concerns for the command. Syrsky reported that currently, only about 2,000 servicemen have signed new contracts, a critically low figure for forming a one-million-strong army.
The General described the problem of demotivation: many soldiers and officers expected certain service conditions but encountered others. In Syrsky's opinion, the decree regarding the so-called "experiment" raises serious legal questions. He drew a parallel with the Ministry of Internal Affairs system, where salary increases were implemented through official budget amendments and Verkhovna Rada decisions.
"Instead of a solution, the army receives disappointment," the Commander-in-Chief warned, insisting that behind every presentation slide, there must be real documents, a budget, and procedures.
Relations with the former Defense Minister
To conclude his column, Syrsky commented on rumors of a conflict with former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The General called this information unexpected and emphasized that their interaction was always strictly professional, despite possible differences of opinion on certain issues.
The Commander-in-Chief also apologized for any misunderstandings and urged the public and media to focus not on personal stories, but on the global goal — victory.
