In a recent interview, Alexander Shirshin, the former commander of the 47th Brigade ‘Magura,’ discussed the operational difficulties faced by Ukrainian forces during a critical phase of the conflict with Russia in 2025. His remarks shed light on the complexities of military coordination and the challenges that led to significant losses.
Shirshin’s comments focused on events that transpired in the spring of 2025, specifically after Ukrainian troops withdrew from the city of Sudzha in the Kursk region. He described efforts to halt the advance of Russian forces into Ukrainian territory, which involved collaboration with the 425th Regiment. The regiment was tasked with capturing a series of settlements, but Shirshin noted that the operational strategy was flawed.
According to Shirshin, the regiment deployed a small contingent of approximately 20 soldiers to assault a location defended by at least a battalion of enemy troops. He emphasized that such a limited force was inadequate for the mission, especially given the logistical challenges of operating five kilometers beyond the front line. He stated, ‘You need to organize medical support, rotation, and replacements… Many planned actions were impossible to execute given the tasks we received.’
Shirshin also highlighted a lack of proper reconnaissance and planning. He recounted how soldiers entered the area without adequate preparation, sometimes going unnoticed initially but eventually facing increased enemy awareness and resistance. He expressed concerns about the safety of his troops, stating that he had formally requested measures to secure safe passage and expand operational corridors. However, he claimed that his warnings were ignored, with orders to continue the operation despite the risks.
As the situation deteriorated, Shirshin noted that his forces began to suffer casualties. He described the frustration of being unable to provide medical assistance or withdraw injured personnel due to strict orders from higher command. He recalled, ‘I wrote and officially appealed, saying we needed to take certain actions to ensure the operation’s success and support our frontline troops. We started to incur losses… I was told that the general said we could not stop and had to continue.’
Ultimately, despite his efforts to plan a withdrawal, Shirshin stated that he was unable to execute it in time. His criticisms of the command structure and operational directives led him to submit a report requesting his removal from his position.
In May 2025, Shirshin publicly criticized the command for what he termed ‘foolish tasks’ that resulted in unnecessary casualties. Following his report, the General Staff announced the formation of a working group to investigate the issues he raised and promised to take appropriate actions based on the findings. This response elicited mixed reactions from other commanders within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, some of whom criticized Shirshin’s position.
On August 14, 2025, Shirshin officially stepped down as the commander of the 47th Brigade ‘Magura,’ marking the end of his tenure amid ongoing scrutiny of military operations in the region.
Alexander Shirshin, the former commander of the 47th Brigade 'Magura,' detailed operational failures and leadership challenges faced by Ukrainian forces during the conflict with Russia in 2025. His criticisms of command decisions and the resulting casualties prompted an investigation by military leadership.
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty