Ukraine's Greatest Injustice, According to Portnikov: How Society Treats Its Soldiers and the Lack of Rotation.

How Ukrainian Society Views Its Military Personnel

According to Espreso.tv: Journalist Vitaliy Portnikov has highlighted what he sees as the deepest injustice in Ukraine: the way both the government and the public treat the country's soldiers, compounded by the absence of troop rotation. He warns that this dynamic could trigger serious social unrest once the war ends.

Against this backdrop, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announced on July 3 that it would audit the Mykolaiv and Odesa territorial recruitment centers (TCCs). This move signals a renewed push for internal oversight within the defense establishment. Portnikov also argues that the training of newly mobilized troops could be significantly improved, stating that

“the people being mobilized today could be trained in rear units”

Lack of Civilian Oversight Over the Armed Forces

Portnikov further points to the lack of genuine civilian control over Ukraine's Armed Forces as another critical issue undermining the military's effectiveness and its relationship with society. He stresses that upcoming reforms, expected to be presented to the government soon, are crucial for turning things around.

His commentary draws urgent attention to these key military service problems in Ukraine and underscores the pressing need for defense system reforms.

These concerns are especially relevant amid a prolonged war, where an efficient military structure capable of adapting to new challenges is essential. Implementing reforms and changing how troops are trained could be vital steps toward ensuring stability and strengthening the bond between society and the army, ultimately affecting the country's overall security.