Concerns regarding the fairness of the military award system in Ukraine have been raised by military expert and adviser to the Minister of Defence, Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov. He argues that many soldiers feel overlooked and undervalued, despite their contributions during the ongoing conflict.
In a recent blog post, Beskrestnov highlighted that numerous service members have not received any recognition for their efforts, as they are perceived by commanders as “non-heroes” despite performing critical roles such as communication specialists, electronic warfare operators, and drivers. He emphasized that these individuals play a vital role in sustaining frontline operations.
Beskrestnov clarified that the discussion is not about the highest state awards, which are reserved for significant achievements, but rather about military distinctions awarded at the command level, within various branches of the armed forces, and by the Ministry of Defence.
He noted that Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov shares the view that the dedicated service of ordinary soldiers should be appropriately acknowledged. Beskrestnov expressed optimism about forthcoming changes, stating, “We are already considering how to make the award system fair, transparent, prompt, and just.”
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
In related developments, Yuri Fedenko, commander of the 429th Separate Drone Brigade “Achilles,” commented on the detrimental impact of discussions surrounding a swift conclusion to the war. He indicated that such narratives can demoralize troops and hinder their ability to perform high-risk combat tasks.
Fedenko pointed out that constant reminders of an imminent end to the conflict undermine soldiers’ motivation and psychological readiness to engage in battle. This messaging can also adversely affect mobilization efforts, as potential recruits may delay their decisions to serve, hoping that the fighting will cease without their involvement.
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- Certain categories of men are expected to be called to the front starting March 1.
Military expert Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov has called for reforms to the Ukrainian military award system, citing concerns over fairness and recognition for soldiers' contributions. The ongoing conflict's context adds complexity to these discussions, as commanders stress the importance of maintaining morale among troops.