Bohdan Krotevych on Ukraine's 2023 Counteroffensive: Systemic Failures in Command and Planning.

Bohdan Krotevych's Analysis of Ukraine's 2023 Counteroffensive

According to TSN.ua: Bohdan Krotevych, the former chief of staff of the 12th Special Forces Brigade "Azov," has provided a critical assessment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' (UAF) 2023 counteroffensive. He points to systemic failures in command, planning, and the training of personnel. Krotevych, who was present at command posts during the preparation and initial days of the operation, noted that approximately 98% of newly formed units were comprised of mobilized soldiers. His comments offer a rare, on-the-ground perspective from a mid-level commander on a pivotal military operation.

In his remarks, Krotevych underscored significant shortcomings in military command and control within the UAF.

"This is a textbook example of how not to wage war, despite having sufficient resources: insufficiently trained personnel, weak planning, a poorly chosen main thrust direction, and a lack of flexibility in military command," he stated.

The issue of resources was also addressed in the context of former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi's statements. In an interview with AP, Zaluzhnyi spoke of a shortage of resources during the counteroffensive. However, Krotevych observed:

"From my experience, claims of a critical lack of resources do not reflect the real picture."

The Imperative to Account for All Factors

In discussing the failures of the 2023 counteroffensive, Krotevych stressed the necessity of accounting for all factors that could influence an operation's outcome. Specifically, he highlighted problems with command and control, which in his view were primary causes of the setbacks. In light of these comments, military experts and analysts may need to re-evaluate approaches to planning and executing military operations in Ukraine.

Bohdan Krotevych's critique could serve as a starting point for a deeper analysis of UAF strategy during the counteroffensive. The importance he places on personnel training and effective resource management underscores the need to adapt military tactics to new challenges. These insights are relevant not only for the military but for a society closely following developments on the front lines.