a controversy surrounding the unpreparedness of Ukrainian troops in the face of the Russian offensive

As the Russian offensive continues near Kharkiv, a controversy has entered the Ukrainian debate about the unpreparedness of the troops.

Faced with the ongoing Russian offensive near Kharkiv, Ukraine has replaced its military commander in the region. Monday May 13, the town of Vovchansk, almost deserted, seems to be almost wiped off the map after the Russian attacks. In this context, on social networks, the controversy over the unpreparedness of the Ukrainian army is mounting, launched precisely by a soldier.

Alerts are incessant in the Kharkiv sector. On Monday morning, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Siniehoubov spoke of a difficult situation, but added: “situation controlled by the military.” Concerning the town of Vovchansk, 17,000 inhabitants before the war, evacuations continue. There are currently around 200 to 300 people remaining in the shelled city who are hiding in shelters and some of whom are still refusing to leave the city.

A manager of an organization which helps refugees from Kharkiv tells franceinfo that the city is being wiped off the map. For him, it’s just a matter of days. Vovchansk is being surrounded by enemy forces. All around, obviously, other localities are affected: 1,600 people still have to be evacuated during the day.

Critics on the Ukrainian side

Rarely, a controversy quickly snowballed on social networks. When a former entrepreneur from Kharkiv, now commander of the special forces, Denys Yaroslavsky – widely followed on the internet – declared that “the first line of defense does not exist”. “No fortifications, no mines, he writes, the enemy freely entered the gray zone.” The soldier went so far as to speak of sabotage.

A publication that quickly went viral. The authorities immediately responded. To face the enemy in the Kharkiv region, details the army, three lines of defense were built. It is the third, furthest from the front, at a distance of 17 to 35 kilometers, which is today the best equipped, with reinforced concrete shelters. Oleksandr Yakovets, is brigadier general, in charge of the defense lines in the Kharkiv region: “In the Kharkiv region, these works are carried out under constant enemy fire, even at a distance of 15-17 kilometers! The first line is the so-called front line. Of course, it is manned and equipped by the military units themselves Unfortunately, it is not possible to install heavy equipment or reinforced concrete structures there. The Ukrainian army insists: be careful not to play into the enemy’s hands and not to devalue the efforts of military engineering units, as well as civilian personnel who, every day, take risks risking their lives.