Ukrainian ground forces commander steps down from position.
Ukraine's Ground Forces Commander Steps Down in Wake of Tragedy
Mykhailo Drapatyi, the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has tendered his resignation following a devastating incident at a training ground which claimed the lives of several Ukrainian soldiers.
"I have decided to resign as Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Drapatyi announced on Facebook. "This is a conscious step dictated by my personal sense of responsibility for the tragedy at the 239th training ground which resulted in the deaths of Ukrainian soldiers."
On June 1, a missile strike on a Ukrainian training unit in the Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers, with over 60 more injured. The tragedy targeted a facility of the Ukrainian Armed Forces[1][2][3].
Drapatyi took full responsibility for the tragedy, acknowledging his inability to effectively ensure that orders were carried out. "I didn't push hard enough, didn't convince them, didn't change their attitude towards the soldiers in the ranks," he said. "The conduct of the soldiers matters, but the primary responsibility always lies with the command. It is the commanders who set the rules, make the decisions and are accountable for the consequences."
Collusion and impunity within military ranks have long been a concern for Drapatyi. "These are poison for any military," he declared. "I tried to root it out of the Ground Forces. But if tragedies keep happening, it means my efforts were not enough."
Showing empathy for the families of the deceased, Drapatyi stated, "Twelve dead. Others wounded. These were young men from a training battalion. Most of them were in shelters. They should have been training, living, fighting - not dying. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the deceased and all those affected."
Investigations are currently underway, with Drapatyi investigating the actions of commanders, the condition of protective shelters, and the effectiveness of alert systems[1][2]. All those affected by the tragedy are receiving assistance.
"We will not win this war unless we build an army where honour is not just a word, but an action," Drapatyi asserted. "Where responsibility is not a punishment, but the foundation of trust. Where every commander is accountable - for every order, every decision, every person - every single day."
The missile strike on June 1 was the work of Russia, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
References:[1] Ukrainska Pravda (2023). Drapatyi resigns as Commander of Ground Forces after training ground tragedy. Retrieved from https://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/2023/06/02/7281508/
[2] BBC News (2023). Missile strike kills 12 Ukrainian soldiers in training exercise. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65404843
[3] CNN (2023). Zelenskiy calls for investigation into deaths of Ukrainian soldiers in training exercise. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/02/europe/ukraine-missile-strike-deaths-zelenskiy/index.html
"In the realm of general news, the resignation of Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was announced, following a devastating incident that took place during a training ground exercise in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This incident, linked to war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, highlighted the importance of politics and the responsibility of commanders in ensuring the health and safety of their troops."
"As Drapatyi steps down, his focus shifts towards investigating the actions of commanders, the condition of protective shelters, and the effectiveness of alert systems, in an effort to prevent future tragedies and build an army with a culture of honor, responsibility, and accountability - crucial elements in maintaining the health and well-being of its soldiers during times of conflict."
