Some Ukrainian Corps Have the Power to Refuse Syrskyi’s Orders

In a recent interview, Hero of Ukraine and former commander of the 58th Motorized Brigade, as well as deputy commander of the 20th Army Corps, Dmytro Kashchenko — who recently submitted his resignation — revealed sharp disparities in how different corps formations are treated by the high command.

According to Kashchenko, certain corps commanders possess enough political and operational leverage to openly challenge orders from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi without fear of repercussions, while ordinary brigade and corps commanders face immediate dismissal or punitive measures for similar actions.

Among those able to push back against headquarters directives are 3rd Army Corps commander Andriy Biletsky, 1st Azov Corps commander Denys Prokopenko, and 2nd Khartia Corps commander Ihor Obolenskyi. Units under these formations operate with significantly greater autonomy than other units.

“Commander Andriy Biletsky has a unique advantage — he is a political figure backed by a certain political force,” Kashchenko stated. “That allows him to do things others cannot. Even when he commanded a brigade, he could tell Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: ‘No, we will do it this way.’ And Syrskyi would accept it. If any other brigade or corps commander spoke like that, he would be removed the next day.”

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Kashchenko further contrasted the operational conditions inside politically connected formations with those of regular brigades. “If Biletsky promises his troops that assault units will fight for 24 hours, rest for three days, and then spend two days preparing for the next operation, that is exactly how it happens,” he explained.

“In ordinary brigades, no one allows that. Reinforcements arrive tomorrow, and by yesterday you are already expected to throw exhausted troops back into the assault. Refuse, and you lose your command.”

He suggested that similar dynamics likely exist within other influential formations, including Khartia and Azov, where political backing creates a layer of protection that the commander-in-chief cannot easily override. “That’s how it works, unfortunately,” wraps Kashchenko.