Commander of the 107th Brigade Denys Perch Highlights Key Military Challenges: Infantry Shortages and Red Tape.

Denys Perch’s Vision for the Future

According to Espreso.tv: Denys Perch, who serves as vice president of WWFC and the Ukrainian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, has shared his forward-looking plans as the commander of the 107th Brigade, along with the pressing issues facing Ukraine’s armed forces during wartime. With over four years of military service, Perch zeroes in on the specific hurdles his unit must overcome.

One of the most urgent problems, according to Perch, is the critical shortage of infantry personnel. To address this, the brigade plans to shift recruitment approaches by opening dedicated recruitment centers. Additionally, the unit has expanded its drone crews by 50%, a move aimed at strengthening defensive capabilities.

Combat Experience and Management Struggles

Perch noted that the 107th Brigade has seen action in Avdiivka, Lyman, Toretsk, Kharkiv Oblast, and Bakhmut. His current priorities include reinforcing the non-commissioned officer (NCO) corps and securing supplies through local government support and charitable organizations.

• Shortage of NCOs
• Insufficient focus on understanding military history
• Lack of regular feedback mechanisms

We must shift from a mindset of 'the unit must navigate the bureaucratic maze' to one where 'the system is designed to help the unit accomplish its mission'

Denys Perch

It is worth noting that Ihor Isachenko, the former commander of the 107th Brigade, was detained in February 2026 on suspicion of accepting a bribe of 300,000 hryvnias. This incident has also had repercussions on internal dynamics within the brigade.

Perch emphasized the importance of giving people a second chance: 'I believe everyone is entitled to make a mistake. If it’s a first-time case of unauthorized absence, that person deserves another opportunity.' He described his own decision to serve as deliberate: 'I didn’t hesitate. I understood this wasn’t a duty or an achievement—it was a combat mission.'

Notably, the 'Favorit' battalion was established within the brigade in late 2023, signaling active efforts to boost combat readiness and unit effectiveness.

Denys Perch’s statements underscore serious challenges confronting the Ukrainian military, particularly personnel deficits and the need to overhaul management processes. The establishment of recruitment centers and strengthening the NCO corps could be pivotal steps in improving the brigade’s situation. Ongoing intense combat on the frontlines demands constant renewal and adaptation of units, highlighting the importance of such initiatives for the country’s overall defense posture.