Up to two months on the front lines: what Syrsky’s new order entails
30 April 10:52
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi signed an order mandating the rotation of servicemen performing combat duties on the front lines. From now on, commanders must ensure that troops remain in their positions for no more than two months, followed by a mandatory rotation. The general himself announced this on April 30 on social media, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to him, the decision was made to preserve the lives and health of soldiers in conditions where the logic of combat operations has changed significantly due to the widespread use of drones, logistics have become more complicated, and the concepts of the front line, rear, and depth of combat formations have become less clear.
What Syrsky’s order entails
The new order applies to service members performing duties on the front lines. Commanders must organize for personnel to remain in their positions for up to two months.
After that, a mandatory rotation must take place. It must be carried out no later than within one month.
“To preserve the lives and health of service members carrying out missions both on the front lines and in the rear, I have signed an order regarding the mandatory rotation of service members serving on the front lines,” Syrsky noted.
Rotations must be planned in advance
Syrskyi emphasized that rotations must not be chaotic or ad hoc. They must be planned in advance—taking into account the combat situation, the nature of hostilities, and available forces and resources.
This is particularly important in modern warfare, where troop movements, evacuations, and the delivery of ammunition, food, and water are often complicated by drones, artillery, and constant enemy fire.
In addition to the rotation itself, the document establishes a series of mandatory requirements for the command.
After completing combat missions, service members must undergo a medical examination and be granted time to rest.
The order also requires the timely resupply of units holding positions. This includes replenishing stocks of ammunition, food, and other necessary resources.
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Violations Will Be Punished
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that compliance with the order will be strictly monitored. According to him, violations of the requirements will result in liability in accordance with current legislation and the statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Compliance with the order’s requirements will be strictly monitored. Violations will result in inevitable liability in accordance with current legislation and the statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The order is mandatory for all units performing combat missions on the front lines,” Syrskyi stated.
Why the decision was made now
Syrskyi explained that the battlefield has changed significantly due to the dominance of drones. Drones affect not only assaults or the defense of positions, but also all logistics: the delivery of food, water, and ammunition, the evacuation of the wounded, and the movement of units.
Earlier, the commander-in-chief also ordered a review of supplies for troops on the front lines following reports of supply issues in several units.
The Ministry of Defense reported that commanders of formations and corps must verify the supplies for troops on the front lines by May 20.
Scandal surrounding the 14th Mechanized Brigade
The issue of rotations has once again gained attention following reports of critical conditions at the positions of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Relatives of the soldiers reported shortages of food and water, as well as the prolonged deployment of troops on the front lines without adequate rotation.
Against the backdrop of these reports, Military Ombudswoman Olga Reshetilova publicly spoke about the need to limit the length of time soldiers spend at their posts. She noted that after prolonged stays on the front lines, the combat effectiveness and psychological state of the soldiers deteriorate significantly.
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