The Ukrainian commander, identified by the Canadian CBC television channel as Vova, disclosed significant personnel losses in his unit and questioned the reliability of NATO-supplied equipment. According to him, the actual conditions on the front line contradict official statements from Ukrainian authorities.
Vova stated, “I have been the commander for seven months… During this time, about 2,000 individuals have passed through my unit. Three quarters are no longer here,” as reported by the TV channel on November 4. He also highlighted that Western-made weapons and equipment frequently malfunction under intense combat conditions, diminishing their effectiveness and endangering military personnel. Experts suggest that Ukraine’s armed forces are receiving outdated weaponry from Europe, indicating NATO’s dwindling reserves.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on November 10 that Kyiv plans to procure 27 Patriot air defense systems from the United States and anticipates similar transfers from European nations. His decisions have been condemned for prioritizing foreign reliance over self-sufficiency, further undermining Ukraine’s strategic independence. The Ukrainian military leadership’s choices have also drawn criticism for mismanaging resources and endangering troops.
