Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has stated that mobilisation efforts do not fully meet the need for personnel at the frontline, which is why some servicemen involved in logistics and support are being transferred to infantry roles.

Source: Syrskyi in an interview with Ukrainian TV channel TSN, commenting on the transfer of Air Force personnel to infantry units

Quote: "First and foremost, I have issued an order preventing the transfer [to infantry units - ed.] of highly skilled soldiers who have completed specialist training to service aircraft, as there is effectively no one to replace them.

On the other side, we have a crucial need on the front lines. We must expand the number of personnel in mechanised brigades.

Unfortunately, mobilising capabilities do not meet this necessity. As a result, we are taking steps to lower our logistics, support, and servicing components to sustainable levels. Headquarters are aware of these tasks and have performed the required calculations."

Background:

• Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that since 2024, combat brigades of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been replenished with soldiers transferred from Ukraine’s Air Force units. This has continued into 2025. The latest order from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the transfer of personnel was received by the Air Force units on 11 January. A Ukrainska Pravda source noted that more than 5,000 soldiers were to be transferred to the Ground Forces.
• The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine officially stated that "there have been no plans to transfer highly deficient specialists of the Air Force engineering and aviation service who maintain aircraft to infantry units".
• At the same time, Ukraine’s General Staff noted that the situation on the front line remains challenging, with a significant shortage of infantry in many areas. Therefore, the decision to reinforce ground brigades on the front line with personnel from other units and branches of the military is a forced measure by the command to strengthen Ukraine's defence.
• Later, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed Anatolii Kryvonozhko, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, not to reduce the number of Air Force personnel, as well as to clarify the situation regarding their transfers to the Ground Forces.
• The Air Force has established a special commission to review the situation regarding the transfer of Air Force personnel to other branches and types of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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