Up to 30% of infantry could be pulled from the front this year, says Ukrainian commander Biletsky.

Reducing troop numbers on the front line

According to Novyny.live: Andriy Biletsky, commander of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has stated that technological advancements could allow for a major reduction in infantry numbers along the front. According to him, up to 30% of infantry soldiers could be removed from the line of contact in 2023, and as much as 80% in the near future. This shift reflects Ukraine's ongoing efforts to modernize its military strategy amid the war with Russia.

The initiative is tied to the introduction of cutting-edge military technologies, which reduce the need for human soldiers on the battlefield. Yuriy Fedorenko, commander of the 429th separate brigade of unmanned systems 'ACHILLES', noted that the Ukrainian military's biggest current weakness is a shortage of personnel. In the context of mobilization, some Ukrainians under the age of 25 may be called up to support front-line efforts.

Adopting technological innovations

Integrating new technologies into military operations is a key step toward improving defense effectiveness and lowering risks for troops. Reducing infantry numbers could significantly change the dynamics of combat, allowing for more efficient use of both resources and technology.

This approach aligns with a broader trend in modern warfare, where tools like drones and automated systems take over tasks previously handled by human soldiers. Cutting the number of infantry personnel could help Ukraine adapt to new challenges on the front, lowering risks for soldiers while maintaining defensive capability.

“The Ukrainian military's biggest current weakness is a shortage of personnel.” - Yuriy Fedorenko

Such changes could have a profound impact on combat strategy in the near future.