Valeriy Zaluzhny Calls for Strict Punishment of Military Personnel for Any Misconduct: Fines and Criminal Liability Introduced

Valeriy Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has called on President Volodymyr Zelensky to impose strict penalties on military personnel for any violations. This includes significant financial fines and criminal liability ranging from 5 to 10 years. This move comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen discipline within the military ranks.

Strengthening Accountability

In a recent statement, Zaluzhny addressed the need for stricter measures to combat issues such as desertion, unauthorized abandonment of military units or service locations, refusal to engage in combat, disobedience, and failure to execute combat missions.

“Today, I am forced to raise a rather complex issue,” Zaluzhny began. “The need to strengthen accountability for unauthorized abandonment of military units or service locations, desertion, leaving the battlefield without permission, refusal to use weapons, disobedience, and failure to carry out combat missions.”

Legislative Changes

Zaluzhny expressed his support for legislative changes recently adopted by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s Parliament) and urged President Zelensky to sign the law. “I support the corresponding legislative changes adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and ask the President to sign the law,” he stated.

The Commander-in-Chief emphasized that his position reflects the views of military unit commanders who have long demanded a systemic solution to these issues. “My opinion clearly mirrors the position of commanders in military units who have been calling for a systemic resolution to this complex of problems,” Zaluzhny added.

Discipline as the Foundation of the Army

Zaluzhny stressed that discipline is the backbone of any effective military force. “The army stands on discipline,” he said. “And if gaps in legislation do not ensure its enforcement, then…”

This statement underscores the importance of maintaining strict discipline within the Armed Forces, especially during the ongoing conflict. The proposed measures aim to address lapses in accountability and ensure that military personnel adhere to their duties without exception.

Context of Zaluzhny’s Previous Statements

This call for stricter measures follows Zaluzhny’s earlier remarks on his Facebook page, where he urged President Zelensky to impose severe restrictions on the rights of Ukrainian citizens, stating that “the Constitution is on pause” during the current crisis. These comments sparked controversy, as they were seen by some as a violation of Ukraine’s Constitution and existing legislation.

Implications of the New Measures

The introduction of heavy fines and criminal liability for military personnel marks a significant shift in how the Armed Forces address discipline and accountability. While the move is aimed at strengthening the military’s effectiveness, it also raises questions about the balance between enforcing discipline and protecting the rights of service members.

As the situation develops, the implementation of these measures will be closely watched, both within Ukraine and by international observers. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the morale and operational efficiency of Ukraine’s Armed Forces during this critical period.

Conclusion

Valeriy Zaluzhny’s call for stricter penalties reflects the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine’s military leadership in maintaining discipline and accountability. While the proposed measures aim to address these issues, they also highlight the complex balance between enforcing rules and upholding the rights of those serving on the frontlines.

Transcription of the video translated into English:

1
00:00:00,540 –> 00:00:18,440
Today, I am forced to raise a rather complex issue. Strengthening accountability for unauthorized abandonment of military units or service locations, desertion, leaving the battlefield without permission, refusal to use weapons, disobedience, and failure to carry out combat missions.

2
00:00:18,440 –> 00:00:36,360
I support the corresponding legislative changes adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and ask the President to sign the law. My opinion clearly reflects the position of commanders in military units who have been demanding a systemic solution to this complex of issues.

3
00:00:36,360 –> 00:00:44,360
The army stands on discipline. And if gaps in legislation do not ensure its enforcement, then…

Transcription of the video in Ukrainian:

1
00:00:00,540 –> 00:00:18,440
Сьогодні я змушений підняти досить складну тему. Посилення відповідальності за самовільне залишення військової частини чи місця служби, дезертирства, самовільне залишення полю бою або відмову діяти зброєю, непокору і невиконання бойових завдань.

2
00:00:18,440 –> 00:00:36,360
Я підтримую відповідні зміни доконодавства, ухвалені Верховної Ради України і прошу президента підписати закон. Моя думка чітко відзеркалює позицію командиров у групованні командиров військових частин, які вимагали системного вирішення цього комплексу питань.

3
00:00:36,360 –> 00:00:44,360
Армія тримається на дисципліні. І якщо прогалення в законодавстві не забезпечує її дотримання, а відбувається…

When did the event happen: 2023/01/25