Former 47th Brigade Commander Criticizes Assault Units Leadership

Oleksandr Shyrshyn, former battalion commander of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, has publicly criticized the leadership and operational methods of some Ukrainian assault units, arguing that systemic failures are causing unnecessary casualties and weakening the country’s defense capability.

In a detailed statement, Shyrshyn acknowledged the courage of soldiers while criticizing their commanders.

“I have respect for many fighters of the so-called assault units, and I’m very sorry that they have such ‘effective’ commanders. Unfortunately, when certain individuals are given power, despite their talk about responsibility, there is nothing in common with that term except loyalty to a superior. For some reason, responsibility for human lives is forgotten, responsibility for the country’s future—which exists and will continue to exist beyond the front line—and even responsibility for the strategic goal, at least in terms of the country’s defense capability.”

He criticized narratives promoting “super-troops” or “super-commanders,” arguing they do not reflect battlefield realities.

“I saw Kursk region, Belgorod region, Donbas… I heard the reports and I knew the reality. Many claims about ‘liberation’ and ‘stabilization’ do not match what actually happened. Courage and character of a commander, of course, play an important role and in critical moments can even save the situation, but there must also be a balance of intellect and prudence. Assessment of capabilities and resources, planning, preparation of options, and choosing the best one are essential.”

Shyrshyn warned that failing to address systemic issues could have long-term consequences for Ukraine.

“By letting everything run its course, we are creating the foundation for a world we tried to prevent during the Yanukovych era. Then let the law truly be the law for everyone, not only for those who don’t fit the vision of the commander-in-chief. Changing leadership in these units is necessary. Monitoring the quality of command, investigating the most egregious cases, and making decisions about the future of commanders is essential. We cannot let the system operate on autopilot.”

He also proposed structural reforms to reduce unnecessary losses:

“Perhaps redistributing battalions among more experienced brigades, establishing clear communication with the families of soldiers who were killed or went missing, and creating fair rules for temporary assignment to assault units would help. Fair conditions should be created, not privilege—whether for PMCs, the commander-in-chief, or a mechanized brigade. Our mistakes cost us dearly. We don’t have time to indulge in the whims of generals. We cannot erase human lives and potential in thoughtless assaults just because we have 15 battalions that can be filled on the first demand. At the very least, it’s irresponsible. At worst, it’s the destruction of our nation from within.”

He also higlighted that 475th Assault Regiment CODE.92 is an exception, and the unit has indeed performed well at a high level in various operations.

This is not the first time Oleksandr Shyrshyn has publicly criticized the Ukrainian command. In May 2025, he resigned from his position as commander of a mechanized battalion in the 47th Mechanized Brigade, stating he had never received dumber orders, accusing higher command of playing political games, and describing General Sirskyi as being disconnected from reality.