Milder solutions to the problem could be in peacetime. During the war – for the sake of victory – one must act harshly, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces emphasized.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhnyicalled on the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi to sign the law on amendments to the legislation, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, on strengthening responsibility for voluntarily leaving a military unit or place of service, desertion, voluntary abandonment of the battlefield or refusal to use weapons, disobedience and failure to comply with combat orders.
“My opinion clearly reflects the position of commanders of groups and military units, who demanded a systematic solution to this complex of issues. The army is disciplined. And if gaps in the legislation do not ensure its compliance, and “refusals” can pay a fine of up to ten percent of combat pay or receive a probationary sentence, it is unfair. Moreover, and this is key, exposed areas of the front are forced to be covered by other servicemen, which leads to increased losses of personnel, territories and civilians on them. Often lost positions have to be restored by assault actions at a very high cost. It shouldn't be like that,” – explained commander-in-chief on Telegram.
Zaluzhny also answered questions that may arise regarding the problem raised.
– Is it possible to solve this problem in a softer way? Explain, convince…
– Yes, if it is about peacetime. In the conditions of war, quick and effective decisions are needed.
– Is there a threat of increased impunity for commanders?
– No, commanders are also fully legally responsible for their actions or inactions. And I completely trust my subordinates.
– Do I recognize the existence of problems that lead to the arbitrary abandonment of positions?
– So I am working on their elimination. And the successful operations to liberate the territories of our state are a confirmation of that.
– Is it normal that we discuss such sensitive topics in public?
– Yes, we are in a democratic state. But just as long as it doesn't hurt us to win the war.
“Therefore, I urge everyone to put an end to this debate. And together to bring victory closer,” – summed up the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.
Read also: Zelenskyi on Zaluzhnyi's forecast for the offensive in 2023: “Russians are obsessed with revenge”
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