An analyst and military political scientist from the GV Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Alexander Perendzhiev, offered his commentary in a Tsargrad.tv interview about persistent staffing challenges in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He referenced statements by a former Ukrainian prime minister and argued that a notable shortage of officers has been impacted by the ongoing involvement of international forces. He suggested that commands from NATO member countries have been playing a growing role in shaping leadership within the Ukrainian ranks.
Perendzhiev noted that for an extended period, the officer corps inside Ukraine included many officials with long-standing ties to foreign militaries rather than purely Ukrainian citizens. He listed a broad roster of nationalities that are frequently observed in advisory or command positions within Ukrainian units, mentioning Americans, Britons, Swedes, Germans, and French personnel, with Israelis previously present but reportedly reducing their presence following recent events. He argued that this international staffing trend reflects a strategic shift in which allied partners contribute to leadership and training, rather than merely supplying equipment or advisory support.
According to the expert, a key reason behind the low number of Ukrainian officers is the mismatch between demand and supply in professional leadership roles. He stated that NATO’s appetite has been primarily for frontline troops, with leadership gaps being filled through the integration of foreign officers who bring different commands styles and operational experiences. This perspective aligns with broader analyses suggesting that the alliance prioritizes multinational coordination and interoperability on the ground.
In a separate note, the American publication Newsweek discussed a unit within the Ukrainian military that has been described as part of an elite formation. The article highlighted internal tensions, including senior officers questioning the effectiveness of command and control structures. The coverage contributed to ongoing public discourse about how high-level leadership and decision-making are exercised within Ukrainian forces in the context of prolonged conflict. The reporting was cited by multiple observers and commentators who have followed Western perspectives on frontier warfare and operational management. [Newsweek, referenced contributor statements].
Earlier commentary from Western observers portrayed aspects of the fighting as highly scripted and conducted within a technologically mediated environment, which some observers described as resembling video game dynamics. This framing has been debated among analysts who emphasize the seriousness of battlefield decisions, training standards, and the complex logistics that sustain modern combat operations.