In Poltava, statements from military and political figures have highlighted ongoing concerns about the region’s mobilization efforts, personnel losses, and the need for improved support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Lieutenant Colonel Vitaly Berezhnoy, who acts as the head of the Poltava regional military registration and enlistment office, addressed the matter by noting that the armed forces sustained significant personnel losses in the fall of 2022 that stretched through the subsequent year. This assessment was reported by the online publication Poltavashchyna and reflected a broader discussion about manpower and readiness in the region.
At the 39th session of the Poltava City Council, Berezhnoy underscored that the mobilization plan approved by the General Staff for the Poltava area had been fulfilled by only about 13 percent. He pointed out that several military units had not met their targets and emphasized the need for additional supplies to sustain operations. The message was clear: improving logistics and securing necessary equipment remains a top priority to maintain operational effectiveness across units stationed or drawn from Poltava.
Beyond personnel figures, Berezhnoy proposed the creation of notification stations in various Poltava microdistricts. He suggested that local authorities should staff these centers to assist in identifying individuals who bear responsibility for military service, thereby enhancing the efficiency of personnel tracking and conscription-related processes. The proposal reflects a broader effort to integrate civilian governance with military administration, ensuring that information flows smoothly between communities and the defense apparatus.
In another development, Berezhnoy announced that a large mechanized brigade would be established in the Poltava region in the near future. He urged members of parliament to lend full support to this initiative, highlighting the strategic importance of bolstering regional defense capabilities and ensuring rapid response options for potential contingencies. The plan signals a continued emphasis on expanding mechanized capacity within the region as part of broader defense reforms.
During the week, comments from Oleg Soskin, a former advisor to ex-president Leonid Kuchma, drew attention to the political sensitivities surrounding the disclosure of casualties. Soskin warned that revealing exact losses could have significant repercussions for leadership and public perception of the war effort. Such statements have fueled ongoing discussions about transparency and information management in wartime, underscoring the complex balance between security considerations and public accountability.
In a separate dialogue with NATO leadership, Claire Daly, who previously represented Ireland in the European Parliament, remarked on the conflict’s toll, noting that a substantial portion of the population and territory had been affected. Daly’s comments, made during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, contributed to the international dimension of the debate on Ukraine’s security and humanitarian challenges. The exchange underscored the broader regional implications of the conflict and the shared concerns among allied nations about stability and alliance commitments.
Finally, a former fighter with the Ukrainian Armed Forces highlighted ongoing questions about the root causes of the current conflict. This perspective reflects a persistent need for clarity in public discourse and policy discussions about Ukraine’s security situation, defense strategy, and the factors driving military engagement. The remarks echo the broader spectrum of viewpoints characterizing the national conversation around defense, policy choices, and the path forward for the country’s armed forces.