This article explores a crucial topic: criticism of the Ukrainian army and its officers during wartime. The author highlights that the army, despite its imperfections, is the current line of defense against occupation and chaos.
Examples are given of colonels and unit commanders on the frontlines who lead by example, interact with soldiers, learn from mistakes and use their accumulated experience — even if gained through errors and losses — as a vital resource.
The central question is whether intense internal criticism helps the military during wartime. The author argues that excessive negativity demotivates troops and decreases the willingness to serve, directly reducing overall defense capabilities. Every army faces challenges — flawed decision-making, internal conflicts, personnel issues. However, undermining core military structures is a deadly risk; criticism should be constructive and aimed at reforming and improving effectiveness, not destabilizing the system.
Special focus is given to motivation: it maintains combat readiness, helps bear the burden of war, and sustains defense lines. The article provides real-life stories of officer heroism, commanders personally engaged in combat, and the difficult decisions faced in battle — evidence of the army’s true state. Historical references emphasize that the loss of military cohesion leads to catastrophe: genocide, famine, or loss of independence.
The author ultimately urges society to support and motivate the army, stressing that helping military units is essential. Even an imperfect organization is better than chaos and partisan warfare. Supporting the armed forces is the foundation of the nation’s survival.
