Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated in his column for Militarnyi that the reform of the mobilization system is currently contingent upon legislative actions by the Verkhovna Rada and administrative decisions from the Ministry of Defense. While the Ground Forces and the recruitment centers are prepared to implement changes, Syrskyi emphasized that real progress requires a systematic approach rather than ad-hoc solutions.
General Syrskyi highlighted that current mobilization efforts are hampered by a lack of clear legislative backing for necessary changes. He specifically criticized recent “experimental” orders, comparing them unfavorably to the salary adjustments made within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which were successfully processed through the national budget and parliamentary approval. “I am waiting for this reform just as the whole country is,” the General noted, stressing that without proper legal frameworks, such attempts often lead to disappointment among the ranks rather than operational improvements.
A significant portion of his address focused on the financial well-being of soldiers. He firmly rejected any suggestions that military salaries should be tapped as a reserve fund to cover weapons procurement or other state expenses. According to the Commander-in-Chief, salaries are a fundamental obligation to those risking their lives on the frontline and must remain untouched. Efforts are underway with the government to ensure all personnel receive their payments in full and on schedule.
Addressing issues of morale, Syrskyi admitted that discrepancies between the promised conditions of service and the reality on the ground have demotivated some soldiers and officers. With only about 2,000 new contracts signed against an army of one million, it is evident that transparency in recruitment and service conditions is vital for long-term sustainability. The Commander-in-Chief confirmed that his team is actively investigating violations through cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) to restore order and trust within the system.
Meanwhile, the General Staff has formally dismissed rumors regarding the dismissal of General Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Anatoliy Hnatov, confirming that the current military leadership continues to carry out its duties. As Ukraine faces ongoing challenges, the consensus remains that structural reform of the mobilization apparatus must be handled with legislative precision to maintain the combat readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.