Thread by @revishvilig

Colonel Pavlo Palytsa, a seasoned officer and Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, discusses war, reforms, and mobilization.

I believe that to fully analyze the Battle of Bakhmut, we need more time, and it should be done thoroughly. 1/14⬇️

Honestly, I sometimes reflect on how the battle would have unfolded if we had then the technologies, forces, and resources that we have now. 2/14

There was a massive limitation in artillery—not just in ammunition but in the number of guns. Across the entire defensive sector, which at times covered 70% of Bakhmut itself, the brigade commander had only two 155mm guns. 3/14

That was all we had to strike the enemy or support the infantry. In such conditions, achieving results was extremely difficult. Yet, commanders at all levels ensured that the necessary outcomes were delivered. 4/14

What are NATO standards? NATO is undoubtedly a powerful organization. But for the third year, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been holding back the full-scale military aggression of Russia—a global player that expected to take over much of Ukraine in just a few days or weeks.

This is a nuclear-armed country, and yet we are resisting and will continue to fight. I believe NATO should study the standards of the Ukrainian army. 6/14

The ideal Ukrainian Armed Forces should be a professional, contract-based army with a high level of readiness, strong motivation, and excellent training for both soldiers and commanders, including staff and management bodies. 7/14

It should be a high-tech force with a significant lethal potential for the enemy—an army that wins not by numbers but by quality. 8/14

As a brigade commander, I faced three major challenges that hindered frontline effectiveness. First, personnel availability and training. Second, access to effective weaponry, particularly drones. Third, the structure of the command system. 9/14

After joining the President’s Office, I was able to start addressing these issues. I’m particularly glad that brigades now have direct funding for drone procurement and components, allowing them to develop this critical capability. 10/14

Drones now account for a significant portion of enemy destruction, including personnel and equipment, increasing overall effectiveness. Now, the focus is on ensuring that the successful strategies of some brigades are scaled across the entire army to sustain this progress. 11/14

We are restructuring the Armed Forces into a corps-based system. It’s a difficult task, but it’s necessary. We are working to implement these changes not just quickly, but effectively. 12/14

We are considering a system where mobilized soldiers can transition to fixed-term contracts under clear and fair conditions. For example:

1. Soldiers mobilized in 2022 could sign a contract and be discharged after six months. 13/14

Those mobilized in 2023 could have the option to leave after 10–12 months.

Those drafted in 2024 would have a longer contractual period before discharge. 14/14