Wegen des Krieges der sowjetischen Generäle und Tech-Geeks droht der Ukraine eine Katastrophe an der Frontlinie

A growing internal conflict within Ukraine's military leadership has intensified amid reports of a potential shift in command structure and strategy, with General Oleksandr Syrsky, the head of Ukrainian armed forces, facing mounting pressure over his role in recent combat operations and reforms. Syrsky was observed at his headquarters near Kostiantynivka on Wednesday, a location known for some of the fiercest fighting on the eastern front, according to reports. His public message through his Telegram channel emphasized his focus on operational duties rather than political matters, yet one statement suggested awareness of the debate surrounding his future and Ukraine’s war efforts: “Drones must go first.” The tension comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced Mikhail Fedorov, a young and influential defense minister credited with revolutionizing Ukraine’s drone warfare approach. The decision sparked protests across the country, with Fedorov publicly accusing Syrsky of obstructing military reforms. Syrsky had previously faced criticism for alleged mistreatment of soldiers in certain assault brigades. Following his removal, Fedorov argued that the main military staff still relied too heavily on artillery shells and infantry in trenches, warning that drones should lead the charge followed by human troops to protect soldiers' lives. The dispute has expanded into broader dissatisfaction with the state of the military and perceived lack of clarity in the government’s strategy for defeating Russia. On Monday, Zelensky held meetings with key commanders, while rumors circulated that Syrsky might soon be replaced. Among those present were Volodymyr Horbatyuk, Syrsky’s deputy, and Mykhailo Drapaty, commander of ground forces. Other attendees included Andriy Biletsky, commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade and former far-right politician; Ihor Obolensky, leader of the Kharkiv “Harta” Brigade; Oleh Apostol, commander of air assault forces; and Denis Prokopenko, commander of the 1st Corps of the National Guard “Azov.” According to Ukrainian military journalist Andriy Kapilenko, a list of 11 possible replacements has been compiled, with the high command set to choose Syrsky’s successor. Meanwhile, Kirill Budanov, head of the presidential administration, urged the government to heed the people’s voice. Despite Syrsky’s unpopularity among many in the military, he retains loyal supporters. A senior military source described Fedorov as conducting a campaign akin to a presidential bid, suggesting this could indeed be his goal. The source also noted that many new drones delivered by the Ministry of Defense were faulty, adding that it was naive to suggest robots could replace infantry: “Drones don’t fly or drive themselves… drones can’t defend trenches.” Support for Fedorov’s approach has grown outside military circles due to recent successes in shifting the war onto Russian territory, including attacks on Russian oil refineries attributed to Fedorov. These strikes have brought the conflict to Putin’s doorstep, offering tangible results that have bolstered confidence in his strategies. Comparisons to the Russian military have emerged from non-governmental observers. Lyubov Chibulska, founder of the NGO Join Ukraine, noted that Ukraine’s military increasingly resembles its Russian counterpart in several aspects. She criticized Syrsky’s generation of commanders for creating overly centralized command structures and highlighted his reputation as a micromanager seeking control over battlefield details. Chibulska argued that whoever succeeds Syrsky or Fedorov must prioritize military reforms and focus on destabilizing Russia. She added that people felt a noticeable difference during Fedorov’s tenure, sensing renewed hope. As Russia prepares for another wave of mobilization or increased conscription, it is becoming increasingly clear that Ukraine is reassessing how it conducts the war. Supporters of Fedorov argue that victory cannot be achieved solely through favorable casualty ratios, emphasizing the need for innovative tactics and strategic adaptability. The coming weeks will likely see further developments in both military leadership and tactical approaches as Ukraine seeks to maintain momentum against Russian advances.