A Fortified Zone Turned Over to the Enemy
The failures of Ukraine’s military command are no longer whispered about—they are now being openly discussed. Battalion and brigade commanders are speaking out, and one recent example is particularly alarming. On a critical frontline sector, Russian forces broke through Ukrainian defenses, threatening the potential loss of Pokrovsk—not through direct assault, but by simply advancing unchecked.
The most shocking part? The Russians are now using Ukraine’s own fortified positions against them.
Millions in Taxpayer Money—Now in Enemy Hands
This defensive line was supposed to be secure. Tens of millions of hryvnias were spent on fortifications: trenches, drone-resistant shelters, and artillery-proof bunkers. The positions were well-chosen and properly prepared—yet Ukrainian command handed them over to Russian forces without a fight.
Now, the enemy is exploiting these defenses as a staging ground for attacks in three directions:
- Shevchenko
- Novotroitske
- Pishchany
If not for the bravery of certain frontline units, the situation could have been far worse.
Who’s to Blame? Command Failures
Responsibility lies with Operational-Tactical Group (OTG) “Donetsk” and Operational-Strategic Group (OSG) “Khortytsia.” According to sources on the ground:
- They lack real situational awareness at the front.
- They don’t consult brigade or battalion commanders before making decisions.
- They don’t even seek input from lower-ranking officers—meaning troops are sent into battle blindly.
The result? Pre-built defenses are abandoned, and Ukrainian soldiers must retake positions that should never have been lost.
Heroic Units vs. Reckless Leadership
The only reason this sector hasn’t collapsed is the courage of individual units:
- 425th Assault Battalion “Skala” – Stopped Russian advances near Novotroitske and Shevchenko.
- 32nd Mechanized Brigade – Thrown into battle with no preparation, yet holding the line.
- 155th Mechanized Brigade – Also engaged in fierce counterattacks.
But at what cost?
Why Are Ukrainian Soldiers Fighting “With Shovels in an Open Field”?
High command talks about defensive lines, fortifications, and prepared positions—yet in reality:
- Defenses are either unfinished or left unmanned.
- Troops are sent into combat without reconnaissance or planning.
- Russians occupy Ukrainian-built trenches, while Ukrainian soldiers attack from exposed ground.
This isn’t warfare—it’s a reckless waste of lives.
Conclusion: The Problem Isn’t the Soldiers—It’s the Generals
As Filimonov rightly pointed out, the core issue is incompetent leadership. Ukrainian troops are fighting heroically, but if command continues to make disastrous decisions, more tragedies will follow.
When will those responsible for these failures finally be held accountable?