Ukrainian Ground Forces commander resigns

Mykhailo Drapatyi, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has submitted his resignation.

Source: Drapatyi on Facebook

Quote: "I have decided to resign as Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This is a conscious step dictated by my personal sense of responsibility for the tragedy at the 239th training ground which resulted in the deaths of Ukrainian soldiers."

Details: Drapatyi stated that, as commander, he had been unable to fully ensure that his orders were carried out.

Quote: "I didn’t push hard enough, didn’t convince them, didn’t change their attitude towards the soldiers in the ranks. That is my responsibility.

The conduct of the soldiers matters, but the primary responsibility always lies with the command. It is the commanders who set the rules, make the decisions and are accountable for the consequences."

Details: Drapatyi said that collusion and impunity are poison for any military. "I tried to root it out of the Ground Forces. But if tragedies keep happening, it means my efforts were not enough," he added.

Quote: "An army in which commanders bear personal responsibility for the lives of their troops is alive. An army where no one is accountable for losses dies from within.

Twelve dead. Others wounded. These were young men from a training battalion. Most of them were in shelters. They should have been training, living, fighting – not dying. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the deceased and all those affected."

More details: Drapatyi stated that he has launched an investigation into all the circumstances of the tragedy, specifically the actions of the commanders, the condition of the shelters, and the effectiveness of the air-raid warning systems. All those affected are receiving assistance.

Quote: "We will not win this war unless we build an army where honour is not just a word, but an action. Where responsibility is not a punishment, but the foundation of trust. Where every commander is accountable – for every order, every decision, every person – every single day."

Background: On 1 June, Russia launched a missile strike on a training unit of Ukraine’s Ground Forces. At least 12 soldiers are known to have been killed and over 60 injured.

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