Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, together with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, held an online meeting today with over 300 military personnel—representatives of 168 brigades and corps. The discussion focused on the transformation of the Defense Forces, as well as the next stage, which will concern changes in the recruitment and mobilization system, UNN reports.
The first stage of the transformation of the Defense Forces has already been launched. Now our main task is to ensure the high-quality implementation of all changes in the units. That is why we held a separate conversation with commanders and military personnel, heard the first questions, gathered feedback, and discussed practical aspects of implementing changes directly in the units. During the development of the reform, we actively worked with the military, the General Staff, and commanders of various levels. Now it is equally important to support its implementation and respond quickly to challenges that may arise on the ground
According to the minister, "we discussed new contracts, transfers between units, mechanisms for returning from AWOL (unauthorized leave), terms of service, post-service deferments, financial support, recruitment of foreigners, and other changes being launched as part of the first stage of transformation."
The first stage has a clear goal—to strengthen first-line units, create better conditions for attracting infantrymen and stormtroopers, and make the reward system for these categories fairer and tied to real risk and completed tasks. The next important stage is changes in the recruitment and mobilization system
The head of the Ministry of Defense emphasized the importance of feedback and added that the direct dialogue will continue.