Ukraine's Military Transfer System is Broken, Says Kraken Commander.

Issues with the Military Transfer System

According to TSN.ua: Konstantin Nemichev, commander of the special forces unit Kraken, has voiced serious concerns about the ineffectiveness of the personnel transfer system within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He states the system is largely dysfunctional, effectively restricting transfers to only assault regiments. This creates significant difficulties for service members who wish to move to other units where they believe command is competent and personnel are treated with respect.

“The system does not work. People want to serve, but in normal units where there is adequate command, humane treatment, and where soldiers are perceived as individuals, not as expendable resources.”

Konstantin Nemichev

This indicates a strong desire among troops for the option to transfer to units offering better service conditions. Maintaining troop morale is a critical challenge for Ukraine as it continues its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion.

Root Causes of the Transfer Problem

Separately, Ukraine's Third Army Corps has pointed to systemic causes behind the transfer issues, which it says are often overlooked. Compounding the problem, the Ukrainian government currently classifies data on the number of transfer requests and desertion cases, making the full scope of the issue within the military difficult to assess.

The expressed concerns may point to deeper systemic problems in military unit management that are affecting personnel morale. An efficient and transparent transfer process could be crucial for maintaining combat readiness and retaining experienced personnel in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, especially during a protracted war.

Greater openness regarding transfers and desertion could be a vital first step toward resolving these issues and improving service conditions for soldiers.