Fedorov, Syrskyi, Hnatov discuss first stage of Defense Forces transformation with military personnel
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, together with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, held an online meeting with more than 300 service members representing 168 brigades and corps to discuss the first stage of the transformation of Ukraine's Defense Forces.
According to Ukrinform, Fedorov announced the meeting on Facebook.
"The first stage of the Defense Forces transformation has already been launched. Our main task now is to ensure the high-quality implementation of all changes at the unit level. That is why we held a separate discussion with commanders and service members, listened to their initial questions, gathered feedback, and discussed practical aspects of implementing these changes directly within military units," Fedorov said.
According to the minister, the reform was developed in close cooperation with military personnel, the General Staff, and commanders at various levels. He stressed that it is now equally important to support the implementation process and respond quickly to challenges that may arise on the ground.
The meeting focused on new military contracts, transfers between units, mechanisms for returning personnel who had gone absent without leave (AWOL), terms of service, post-service deferments from mobilization, financial compensation, recruitment of foreign nationals, and other measures being introduced as part of the first phase of the transformation.
"The first stage has a clear goal: to strengthen frontline units, create better conditions for attracting infantry and assault troops, and make the reward system for these categories fairer and more closely tied to actual risks and completed missions," Fedorov emphasized.
The next important stage, he noted, will involve reforms to the recruitment and mobilization system.
The defense minister thanked the Commander-in-Chief, the General Staff, and all service members for their willingness to work together on implementing the changes.
"Your feedback is important to us, so we will continue this direct dialogue," Fedorov added.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, on June 15, Defense Minister Fedorov announced the launch of new Defense Forces contracts featuring clearly defined terms of service and guaranteed deferments following completion of service.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine