Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko is convinced that Oleksandr Syrskyi remains the only viable candidate for the position of head of the Armed Forces. He expressed his opinion during an interview that was published on December 24.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Assessment of Syrskyi’s Professional Qualities
Viktor Muzhenko noted that among generals at the operational level and above, he does not see any other worthy candidate who could lead the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In his opinion, Syrskyi has sufficient qualifications, a high level of training, and is a professional in his field. At the same time, he acknowledged that there may be deserving officers among majors or lieutenant colonels, but their names are currently unknown to him.
“As of today, I see no alternative to him. Personally. There may be some unique individuals that I am not aware of. As Biletsky (Commander of the 3rd Army Corps Andriy Biletsky – ed.) said, among majors and lieutenant colonels. But as for generals at the operational level and above, I believe that Syrskyi is sufficiently qualified, well-prepared, and a professional in his field,” noted Viktor Muzhenko.
Issues of Assessment and Responsibility
Muzhenko emphasized that the final assessment of the work of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces should be given by the President of Ukraine and the Minister of Defense. If they do not initiate the question of changing the leadership, it means that Syrskyi is fulfilling his duties properly. He stressed that the situation at the front depends not only on one person but is the result of many factors, including at the state level.
As an example, Muzhenko cited the issue of mobilization, for which, in his opinion, Syrskyi bears no responsibility.
It is worth noting that on December 16, Member of Parliament Mariyana Bezuha, who was previously a member of the Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, blocked the podium of the Verkhovna Rada. She demanded military reform and the dismissal of Oleksandr Syrskyi from the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.