Aidar soldiers demand Zelensky and Drapatyi restore Kovalenko to commander post

Service members of the 24th Separate Assault Regiment "Aidar" published a statement expressing their resolute protest against the decision to dismiss their commander, Major Oleksandr Kovalenko. According to the signatories, the personnel decision regarding the change of unit leadership was made on 31 October 2026.

Arguments for retaining the commander

The document notes that the formation has existed and defended the state since 2014, during which time it developed its own traditions and internal culture. The soldiers remind that volunteer units have historically chosen leaders from within their own ranks, even after being integrated into the structure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As the fighters state, an unjustified change of command in a combat unit during active hostilities is unacceptable. They are convinced that only a commander who has gone through the war shoulder to shoulder with the personnel is capable of most effectively utilising the unit's potential.

Oleksandr Kovalenko, who has the callsign "Hook" and the title of Hero of Ukraine, has served Ukraine since 2014, participating in the ATO and the Joint Forces Operation. The soldiers emphasise his many years of combat experience, high level of professionalism, and the unquestionable trust he enjoys among his subordinates. The personnel categorically rejects the appointment of new leaders who have not shared the unit's combat path since its inception.

Appeal to the top leadership

The statement contains a direct appeal to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi. The soldiers request a review of the personnel decision made and the retention of Oleksandr Kovalenko in the position of commander of military unit A3488.