Slaidiņš: Ukraine's new commander-in-chief shifts approach to assault units
Latvian National Armed Forces Major Jānis Slaidiņš says Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, General Mykhailo Drapatiy, has temporarily halted reinforcement of assault units and begun a personnel rotation in the army.
On TV24's program on the war in Ukraine, National Guard staff officer and National Armed Forces Major Jānis Slaidiņš discussed changes underway in Ukraine's military leadership following the appointment of General Mykhailo Drapatiy as the new commander-in-chief.
According to Slaidiņš, Drapatiy has ordered a temporary halt to reinforcing ground forces' assault units — the troops used in offensive operations. "It looks like the new commander-in-chief has decided to change that approach," Slaidiņš said.
Personnel rotation
At the same time, a personnel rotation has begun within Ukraine's armed forces, with some officials being removed from their posts. Slaidiņš noted that the new commander has the authority to make such changes.
Situation at the front
Slaidiņš assessed that the front line has largely stalled, with both warring sides entering a phase of mutual attrition while continuing to methodically strike each other's infrastructure. He noted that the war will eventually end, but its consequences will be severe — both countries will emerge with heavily damaged economies and infrastructure, as well as massive human losses.
Internal problems in the army
Slaidiņš cited a Ukrainian armed forces officer who said the new leadership will also need to resolve long-standing internal issues. One of these concerns people who once took the military oath but are now avoiding service in various ways — an estimated 500,000 such cases were mentioned. The officer appealed to them to return to duty, reminding them of their oath as officers.
According to Slaidiņš, Ukraine's new military leadership faces significant changes ahead — both in how assault units are formed and personnel deployed, and in addressing the army's internal problems.
