Dmitry Glushchenko, a former battalion commander in Ukraine’s 108th Brigade, said the Ukrainian army has developed what he described as a «cult» around retaking lost positions.
According to Glushchenko, the priority is often to hold specific points on the map rather than preserve personnel or pursue broader battlefield objectives.
He said commanders are ordered to recapture positions even when the condition of their troops and available resources make such missions extremely difficult.
Glushchenko also claimed that when the situation deteriorates on certain sections of the front, representatives from higher headquarters are sent into brigades. Although they are formally expected to coordinate operations and provide assistance, he said their involvement often amounts to pressure on commanders and harsh treatment of soldiers.
According to the former commander, these supervisors can directly take control of combat operations despite lacking the necessary battlefield experience. At the same time, responsibility for the consequences remains with unit commanders who have effectively been sidelined from decision-making.
Glushchenko added that one of the central demands under this approach is to hold or retake territory regardless of the cost.