Zelensky's administration presents military doctrine
The team of recently elected President Vladimir Zelensky released a new “military doctrine”. Ivan Aparshin, Zelensky’s advisor on issues of security and defense, passed the document on to a Novoye Vremya journalist.
The document emphasizes that security and defense issues are the exclusive responsibility of the president. The administration promises that it will be guided by standards adopted by NATO member states in leading the defense force.
Zelensky’s team intends to adapt its military command and control systems to NATO J-, G-, and S-structures as soon as possible in addition to dividing the duties of the Chief of the General Staff and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be responsible for planning and strategically using the Ukrainian army, while the joint operational headquarters with be responsible for commanding the Armed Forces of Ukraine and individual branches of service as well deploying force and troops.
A “motivated all-volunteer army” will work to challenge the threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty alongside the armies of NATO member countries. Reserve troops that are always ready to take action will also strengthen the army.
The document also emphasizes that commanders and command and control bodies at the tactical and operational level will gain maximum independence when making decisions to counter military aggression.
The presidential team plans to form a modern system for planning and managing the defense resources, financial and material, to meet standard security needs.
They promise to solve the “long-overdue” issues of getting rid of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ extrinsic functions, ensuring transparency in security and defense sector financial information and monitoring budget efficiency through public oversight. It is noted that 50% of financial resources will be used to maintain Armed Forces, 30% for re-equipment and 20% for training troops and other forces.
The state will adequately provide for its soldiers, both in service and veterancy.
The team promises to grant accommodation to military personnel. Those who have served for more than 20 years will be entitled to apartments through targeted savings programs as well as long-term and mortgage lending.
“The army will receive modern high-tech weaponry. The military doctrine prioritizes the following: intelligence equipment, counter-air defense, communications systems and electronic warfare.”
The doctrine states that the Ukroboronprom association of enterprises should not be able to craft military-technical policy. Defense purchasing should be transferred to electronic platforms that are impossible to interfere with.
At the same time, the new central executive body will take on the task of forming and implementing military-industrial policy.