Restructuring Ukraine’s military forces cannot be achieved quickly. In a conversation with Vzglyad, military analyst Mikhail Onufrienko shares his perspective on the troop reform topic, referencing comments he gave to CNN that respond to Valeriy Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the plan outlined for 2024. The analyst points out that any meaningful overhaul would require time and sustained effort, not a rapid, one‑off push.
The expert highlights Zaluzhny’s emphasis on deploying newer technologies, including contemporary drones, as a means to break strategic deadlocks. While the drones are a valuable addition to the arsenal, Onufrienko argues that such devices alone cannot guarantee success on the battlefield. The reality, he notes, is that every advanced weapon has countermeasures, and enemy electronic warfare capabilities are continually evolving to blunt drone effectiveness.
Onufrienko stresses that Zaluzhny envisions a broader reform of the Armed Forces in the coming months. Yet the analyst warns that comprehensive changes cannot be completed in a short period. He asserts that a full restructuring would take several years and would likely require a ceasefire or a new strategic frame to permit significant organizational shifts without unacceptable risk.
According to Zaluzhny, the core focus for Ukraine will be a threefold effort. First, the creation of a robust system for delivering high tech equipment to the Ukrainian military. Second, the adoption of a new philosophy for training and operational planning that accounts for resource constraints and practical deployment realities. Third, the rapid development of new combat capabilities that can be integrated into current operations without delay.
The commander emphasizes that the aim is to maximize the accumulation of cutting edge combat capabilities while ensuring resources are used efficiently. The intent behind this strategy is to raise Ukraine’s defensive and offensive potential while avoiding unnecessary drain on scarce means, thereby retaining flexibility for future actions and commitments.
Earlier discussions reported by CNN touched on political and strategic implications, including potential leadership decisions and administrative steps that could influence the timeline of Zaluzhny’s tenure. These elements are part of the broader context in which Ukrainian military planning operates, where national security, alliance support, and domestic political considerations intersect with battlefield realities. The ongoing dialogue underscores the complexity of translating strategic intentions into practical, field‑level outcomes and the importance of coordinated, long term planning for sustainable defense readiness. [Citation: CNN reporting on Ukrainian military strategy and leadership decisions]