Muzhenko named the main problem of the army for 2026: lack of reserves and equipment.

According to ТСН: The main task of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2026 will be to deter the advance of Russian troops. However, for effective defense and the conduct of counter-offensive operations, the army certainly needs trained reserves and technical equipment.

Key Problems

The former Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (2014–2019) Viktor Muzhenko noted in an interview that the issue of replenishing reserves is critically important for maintaining the combat readiness of the military. He emphasized that making difficult decisions may not be easy for society to accept.

“In my opinion, we still have a chance to conduct a number of successful operations, provided that reserves are created. But for this, it is necessary to make appropriate decisions, and perhaps they will not be very easy to explain to our society. We are talking about mobilization, which today is probably the biggest problem regarding the maintenance of the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Defense Forces of Ukraine in deterring aggressive actions and the advance of Russian occupiers,” Muzhenko noted.

In addition to manpower issues, he also emphasized the lack of sufficient transport for the military. Muzhenko underscored that the situation where soldiers have to appeal for help through social media is unacceptable for proper planning of operations.

“Here the question arises as to how well we can provide. Then we can really talk about successful operations. Then we can also talk about deterring the enemy,” Muzhenko noted.

Other Relevant Issues

Among other serious problems raised by Muzhenko were cases of soldiers leaving military units without permission, poor morale and psychological state in certain units, as well as personnel and organizational mistakes.

Ukraine plans to simplify the procedure for exempting soldiers who left their units without permission but later returned and continued to serve from criminal liability.

The Ministry of Defense, after consultations, pointed out the need to exclude from draft law No. 13452 provisions that foresee increasing responsibility for soldiers for disobedience.

Earlier, Maxim Zhorin emphasized that a high level of trust in the commander and a healthy psychological climate in the unit are important factors in preventing unauthorized departures from units.

The situation with the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the problems of reserves requires urgent resolution. Supporting morale and trust in command, as well as improving living conditions, can help prevent similar cases in the future. It is essential for the state to respond promptly to the challenges facing the army and provide the necessary resources and support for the military.