An Unexpected Turn in the Awarding of Ukrainian Military Personnel: The Name of One of Them Disappeared from the Decree Earlier but Reappeared in the Lists of State Honors
The story concerns Bohdan Krotevych, a former commander of the staff of the 12th Separate Special Purpose Brigade "Azov," who earlier was at the center of a scandal due to his resignation and public criticisms of the command. According to official information, President Volodymyr Zelensky, by his decree dated May 26, awarded Bohdan Krotevych the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky II degree — one of the most prestigious state awards. The document emphasizes that the basis for the award was "personal bravery demonstrated in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, dedicated service to the Ukrainian people." It should be noted that previously his name completely disappeared from the official lists of awardees, which caused significant resonance and questions from the public. The background of the conflict with Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi came to the forefront back in spring. On April 9, Bohdan Krotevych openly called for his resignation in an interview with the British publication The Guardian. The military officer believes that Syrskyi lacks strategic vision and jeopardizes the lives of service members by issuing "almost criminal" orders that have a destructive impact on the situation at the front and directly concern the security of the Ukrainian army. Two days later, on April 11, Krotevych stated that his name had disappeared from the official presidential decree on the award. Despite initial assumptions that this could have been politically motivated due to his open criticism of the military leadership, the National Guard of Ukraine assured that the "disappearance" of his name was due to a technical error and misunderstanding. Meanwhile, supporters of the military emphasize his dedication and bravery, and the award itself appeared after a long, ambiguous conflict expressed through public statements and appearances. This highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of modern Ukrainian military policy, as well as the events unfolding within military command: questions of loyalty, strategic vision, and the public voice of military personnel are becoming increasingly pressing. Thus, the story of Bohdan Krotevych became a vivid illustration that even in difficult and complex conditions of public service, it is possible to turn conflicts into periods of reform and institutional upheaval, and to demonstrate one's value both for the state and society. Everyone is awaiting further developments and a clear confirmation of the principle that awards and recognition should remain objective and just, regardless of political or personal disputes.