53 the mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine became famous all over the world after February 8, 2016 46 military personnel left their place of stay at the Shirokiy Lan training ground. The reason for this desertion was the unbearable conditions of the soldiers at the duty station. According to the servicemen and volunteers themselves, who are staying at the location of the Ukrainian troops, people lived for several months in tents without high-quality food, medicine, basic necessities and firewood for heating. Moreover, the soldiers were not paid salaries. The deserting fighters got on foot to Nikolaev to tell the military prosecutor about the situation.
The combat mission of the 53rd brigade
The troops were deployed at the Wide Lan training ground for large-scale exercises. Before this, the soldiers were trained in Cherkasy. It should be noted that more than 50% of the privates who were in military service should have been demobilized soon. Many experts are wondering, what is the point of sending the children to the exercises if they soon go home? The first six months of service, they visited the front line, protecting the country. It makes no sense to chase soldiers for training maneuvers if they will soon have to demobilize.
Government commentary on the situation
One of the first persons in the government of Ukraine, adviser to the president, Y. Biryukov, commented on the situation regarding the 53rd Armed Forces brigade on his page in social. network: “The soldiers of the 53rd missile brigade left their place of service without permission, thereby violating the Charter of military service. They must be severely punished. ”
After analyzing the charter, the adviser added the following: “The commanders of the 53 brigade should be responsible for their subordinates and for the conditions of their stay in the field. Their responsibilities include preparing the camp. The officers were obliged to provide their fighters with firewood and food in advance. ”
The words of Biryukov, scattered throughout the country, caused a stormy reaction of society. Ukrainians are actively discussing about who will ultimately receive severe punishment, reprimand and lose cash bonuses.
Who is guilty of demoralizing the Ukrainian military?
The military from 53 brigades found themselves without proper conditions. Who is to blame for this? To understand this, you should know whose responsibilities include the organization of life of military personnel.
Private 53 separate brigades of the armed forces of Ukraine are responsible for the installation of tents. Firewood should also be obtained by soldiers themselves. The duties of officers include:
- timely delivery of food, medicines;
- providing military personnel with quality treatment.
The leaders of the “Wide Lan” training ground, where 53 brigades were stationed, did not bother to control the situation on their territory. The blame lies with the command of the "East", the rear officers.
Who commands the infamous brigade?
In 53 brigade 3 commanders were replaced during the year. Not enough mid-level officers, sergeants. A soldier is taken into service without proper selection, forcing everyone to go into the army indiscriminately. Why create new military units if understaffed ones already exist?
In the 8th company for quite a long time there was no commander who was able to control people. The current commander of the 53rd brigade, Valery Vodolazsky, did not gain authority from his subordinates. The main reason is inattention to people and disrespectful attitude. In the troops of Ukraine, the average age of an ordinary is 35-40 years. To achieve authority among mature men is not an easy task.
The predecessor of the current commander was Colonel Yuri Belyakov. This man went through the Afghan war, losing his hand in battle. He tried to support the fighters entrusted to him in command, he was often noticed on the front line. Once he was blown up by a grenade during the next round of the front line, as a result of which he was forced to leave his post. The soldiers who were subordinate to him assured that he enjoyed authority, since he was always ahead. It would be difficult for other commanders to gain confidence after Belyakov left.
Prosecutor's check
After the military prosecutors learned about the deplorable state of life of the military, large-scale checks were organized. The conditions of stay at range 53 of the mechanized brigade began to change for the better. They began to bring food on time, doctors examined the fighters. Those who wish can appeal to the commission, which is led by the chief of the General Staff, Viktor Muzhenko. Despite the fact that the soldiers who arbitrarily went to the military prosecutor’s office violated the military service regulations, they promised not to punish them.
Search for perpetrators and punishment of command
The inspection bodies are trying to hush up the case, blaming the company commanders and ordinary employees for the incident. But the commander of the scandalous brigade Vodolazsky decided not to punish strictly, he escaped with a strict reprimand from his superiors.
If only the junior officers are found guilty of poor maintenance, and the top command staff comes out of the water, then justice in this matter should not be expected, and similar situations will continue to happen. In a difficult situation is not only the 8th company, but almost all the troops in Ukraine that take part in the exercises.
