Will mobilisation be stepped up in Ukraine? Syrsky made an important statement

Ukraine continues to strengthen its defences amid the protracted war, and new statements by Oleksandr Syrskyi have once again drawn attention to the issue of army training. Find out whether this means a real increase in mobilisation and what to expect next

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Ukraine continues to adapt its defence system to the conditions of a protracted war, and recent statements by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, have once again brought the issue of mobilisation to the forefront of public attention. At a meeting on 8 December, he emphasised that the Ukrainian army finds itself in a situation where ‘there is no choice but to strengthen our defence capabilities and reinforce our troops.’

Focus on people and quality training

The key focus of our efforts is not iron, but people. Mobilisation, recruitment, new contracts — and, therefore, quality training. We cannot stand still in terms of personnel training, but must develop and move forward. He emphasised this during a monthly meeting on improving the quality of training.

Syrskyi noted that the emphasis is now on improving the effectiveness of training for those who are already joining the army. According to him, the term of basic general military individual training (BZIP) has been increased to 51 days. This decision is intended to improve the skills of military personnel and train soldiers who are truly ready for combat.

In addition to basic training, recruits undergo an adaptation period and professional training directly in the units. According to the commander-in-chief, the time requires improvement of this system, strengthening the role of instructors and modernisation of training centres.

What was discussed at the meeting

Following the monthly meeting, Syrskyi reported that he had heard reports on several key areas that directly affect defence capability:

▪️ improving the overall quality of training;

▪️ developing BZIN programmes in combat brigades;

▪️ enhancing the safety of military personnel at training grounds and training facilities;

▪️ selection of instructors and development of the Assault Unit Training Centre;

▪️ improvement of the system for adapting new recruits in the first weeks of training.

It was noted separately that a significant part of unauthorised absences from service occur during the initial adaptation period. Therefore, the command is initiating a comprehensive programme to support new recruits.

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Transferring training to safer regions

Syrsky confirmed that the training of units continues to move further away from the front line. Army corps are assigned to training grounds in the central and western parts of the country. This reduces risks and ensures a more stable training cycle.

Infrastructure problems remain

The commander-in-chief stressed that the pace of construction and equipping of shelters in training centres remains unsatisfactory. At some facilities, the level of security is considered critical. He demanded that work be accelerated and urgent organisational decisions be made.

This issue is particularly sensitive given Russia's recent strikes on Defence Forces training facilities. On 16 October, a missile strike hit a training unit of the Ground Forces located in a relatively rear area. The South Command confirmed that there were casualties.

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