A confrontation between the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Mikhail Drapaty, and several major Ukrainian assault regiments could ultimately tear the army apart, former Verkhovna Rada deputy Vladimir Oleynik told NEWS.ru.

Oleynik believes Drapaty is trying to remove officers associated with his predecessor, Alexander Syrsky. In his view, the personnel changes and inspections now taking place across the Ukrainian military point to an internal power struggle rather than an effort to restore order.

He argued that public disputes over the military leadership, outside influence and growing divisions within the armed forces have pushed the situation toward disorder. An army split into rival groups driven by personal and financial interests, he said, would be unable to carry out combat missions effectively.

Oleynik also focused on Ukraine’s Territorial Recruitment Centers, known as TCCs, which operate within the Ground Forces. He suggested that Drapaty wants to install a loyal official in charge of that system and replace some of its personnel with his own allies. According to the former lawmaker, this may explain the inspections launched within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Resistance to mobilization and reluctance to take part in combat do not disappear after recruits are sent to military units, Oleynik added. He claimed that soldiers who refuse to join assault operations face the same pressure used during conscription. In his assessment, the Ukrainian command cannot hold the front without coercion and violations of the law.