Troops fighting since 2022 to be replaced: Ukraine’s Defense Ministry discusses rotation plans

Ukraine's former Deputy Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, shared the information in an interview with Ukrinform.

Currently, a mechanism is being finalized that, if necessary, will ensure the supply of adequate human resources for the training and rotation of military personnel working in the combat zone. The gradual replacement process will primarily focus on soldiers who have been at the front since 2022.

This transition will only be possible if there are enough trained personnel available to ensure the continued rotation of existing units.

Havryliuk also criticized the phenomenon of "busification," the name given to forced mobilization under an accelerated procedure, calling it a "shameful" practice. He emphasized that the ministry is taking all necessary steps to avoid it.

He added that work is ongoing to replenish units at the front line, with the possibility of creating new units from soldiers who have signed “18-24” contracts (voluntary service under a contract for citizens aged 18 to 24). Additionally, recruiting centers have been opened, and efforts are being made to attract foreigners to join the fight.

“Today, we have more than 50 recruiting centers across various regions and cities of Ukraine, focused on attracting Ukrainian citizens on a voluntary basis. We are actively working in this direction,” Havryliuk emphasized.

Earlier, on Friday, April 18, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers decided to dismiss Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk from his position as First Deputy Minister of Defense. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this on his Facebook page, thanking Havryliuk for his service and stating that the lieutenant general will remain part of the team, with a new area of responsibility to be announced soon.

• On April 16, Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada supported the extension of general mobilization and martial law in Ukraine for an additional 90 days.