Biletskyi declines command of Ground Forces over mobilisation issues

Official refusal to lead the branch of the military

Andrii Biletskyi publicly confirmed that he received an offer to take on the duties of commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, he declined the position, justifying his decision with the state of the mobilisation system.

Doubts about reforms in the fifth year of the war

According to Biletskyi, he was offered the chance to lead the Ground Forces with the aim of carrying out reforms. He emphasised that he believes it is possible to reform combat training. At the same time, Biletskyi expressed doubts about the prospects for improving the mobilisation process in the fifth year of the full-scale invasion.

«Так, мені справді пропонували командувати Сухопутними військами для реформації. Я вірю, що можна реформувати бойову підготовку, але у мене є сумніви, що на п’ятому році війни можна покращити мобілізацію: можна позбавитись ексцесів, але замінити мобілізацію неможливо. А це головне завдання для Сухопутки. Немає сенсу братись за те, у що ти не віриш, що ти не можеш по-справжньому поліпшити» (Yes, I was indeed offered to command the Ground Forces for reform. I believe that combat training can be reformed, but I have doubts that mobilisation can be improved in the fifth year of the war: you can get rid of excesses, but it is impossible to replace mobilisation. And that is the main task for the Ground Forces. There is no point in taking on something you do not believe in, something you cannot truly improve), Biletskyi stated.

Attitude towards the current leadership

He added that he feels no envy towards either the current or the previous commanders of the Ground Forces. Biletskyi wished them success in achieving good results in the performance of their duties.