Combatant of the 47th Brigade sharply criticized the higher command for inefficiency and ignoring critical issues in military leadership
Oleksandr Shyrsyn, the commander of the battalion of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Magura," expressed deep concern over the indifference of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s leadership regarding pressing challenges on the front lines. In his interview with Radio Liberty, he detailed the situation in his unit, as well as problems related to systemic management and the attitude towards the clarifications and proposals voiced by military personnel. According to Shyrsyn, the command, particularly the highest-ranking officials he approached, are slow to respond to his requests and suggestions aimed at improving the situation and reducing personnel casualties during combat operations in the Kursk region amid Russian aggression. He emphasized that he had hoped for constructive dialogue and joint efforts to resolve urgent problems but instead received "silence, indifference, and denial," which negatively reflects the state of management systems within the military. The battalion commander underscores that his appeals, along with those of other servicemen persistently describing the situation and providing reasoned proposals, were not heard and, consequently, did not elicit appropriate responses. He does not specify the individuals to whom his requests were addressed but notes that appeals regarding systemic shortcomings have repeatedly been sent upward, yet they were ignored at higher command levels. Shyrsyn stresses that the issue is not only about combat training and staffing but also about the overall management system, planning of actions, task setting, situational assessment, and creating the necessary conditions for effective unit performance. "This concerns making managerial decisions, responsibility for their implementation, and allowing troops to adapt to the realities of war," he says. He mentions that he has already held negotiations with the leadership of the General Staff but remains skeptical about how seriously and quickly his suggestions will be taken into account. Additionally, Oleksandr Shyrsyn expressed dissatisfaction with an official review that resulted in him being classified as "undisciplined." He believes this assessment is unfair and based on false reasons that do not reflect reality. The combatant assures that he has not yet received any decision to remove him from his position and continues to perform his duties directly within the battalion, although he awaits further legal and administrative decisions. At present, the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine remains silent and has not commented on Shyrsyn’s public statements. Meanwhile, his remarks once again highlight problems within the management system and the insufficient attention paid to frontline commanders’ opinions, which could complicate further efforts and create additional difficulties in ensuring the combat readiness of units.