After approximately 40 days of continuous deployment in combat positions, soldiers may experience a state of profound psychological apathy, according to Ukrainian military ombudswoman Olha Reshetylova.
Reshetylova noted that a large-scale study is currently underway to assess the mental health of military personnel during prolonged frontline service. Preliminary findings indicate that soldiers may suffer from significant psychological exhaustion and apathy after about 40 days in the field.
“We are seeing that after 40 days, individuals become indifferent to their survival—apathy sets in. Every commander must take this information into account. Anything beyond 40 days cannot be effective,” she stated.
The military ombudswoman reminded that, according to an order from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the maximum time a soldier should remain in direct combat positions is set at 15 days. However, she pointed out that this guideline is often not adhered to in practice.
“This is a dead norm that no one follows, which leads to a complete lack of restrictions. Some commanders do not feel responsible for having their troops in trenches and shelters for a year or more under semi-encirclement,” Reshetylova added.
She emphasized the need for the state to establish realistic timelines for combat missions, particularly for infantry and assault units operating directly on the front lines.
The Ukrainian military ombudswoman highlights the severe psychological effects on soldiers after extended combat duty, emphasizing the need for adherence to deployment regulations. Current research reveals that prolonged frontline service leads to significant mental health challenges, necessitating a reevaluation of combat timelines.