Ukrainian Army’s Main Task Now Is to Hold the Line, Not Regain 1991 or 2022 Borders, Says K2 Commander Veres

In a candid interview, Commander Veres of the K2 Brigade shared his perspective on the current priorities of the Ukrainian army. According to him, the primary task of Ukrainian forces at this stage is not to lose what they currently hold, rather than focusing on reclaiming the 1991 or 2022 borders. This viewpoint, he claims, is shared by 90% of frontline commanders.

The commander emphasized that Ukraine is not yet prepared to push back to the 1991 borders, stating, “We are not ready for that yet, for the 1991 borders. In fact, I would say we were even more prepared back then than we are now.” When asked about the possibility of returning to the February 24, 2022, borders, Veres responded pragmatically, suggesting that discussions should first focus on stabilizing the current frontlines before considering earlier territorial boundaries.

He summed up the army’s main objective in straightforward terms: “Don’t mess up what we have.” This sentiment, he believes, resonates with the majority of commanders on the ground. “I think 90% of frontline commanders would agree with me,” Veres added.

The interview highlights the realistic challenges faced by Ukrainian forces amid the ongoing conflict. While the ultimate goal of restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains, the immediate focus is on consolidating and defending current positions. This pragmatic approach underscores the complexity of the military situation and the need for strategic patience.

The video of the interview has sparked discussions about Ukraine’s military strategy and the priorities of its armed forces in the face of a prolonged and challenging conflict.

Transcription of the video translated into English:

1
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We are not yet ready for this, for the borders of ‘ 91, we are not ready. I will say more then, according to my vision, personally, then we were more ready even than now.

2
00:00:09,000 –> 00:00:12,000
And to the borders of February 24,22?

3
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Let’s talk about the boundaries of February 24, 24, or 23. Let’s start with this, and then start talking about the borders of February 22, 22, 14, 15, 16, and these are still far away.

4
00:00:27,000 –> 00:00:30,000
Well, just ask you, the main task of the Ukrainian army now?

5
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Don’t P* * * yte what you have.

6
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Available?

7
00:00:34,000 –> 00:00:38,000
Yes, this is mine, I think it will come in handy with me now, I’m not talking about the top management right now.

8
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But you understand that we are baking it.

9
00:00:39,000 –> 00:00:46,000
No, well, then it will not lose what it is, but it is better to let it be baked. I think that 90% of the frontline commanders will come in handy with me now.

Transcription of the video in Ukrainian:

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Ми не готові ще до цього, до кордонів 91-го року, не готові. Я скажу тоді більше, на моє бачення, особисто моє, тоді ми були більш готові навіть, ніж зараз.

2
00:00:09,000 –> 00:00:12,000
А до кордонів 24 лютого, 22-го року?

3
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Давайте проговоримо про кордони 24 лютого, 24-го року або 23-го року. Давайте от цього почнемо, а потім почнемо говорити про кордони 22 лютого, 22-го року, 14-го року, 15-го, 16-го, до цих ще далеко.

4
00:00:27,000 –> 00:00:30,000
Добре, тобі спитайте просто, основне завдання української армії зараз?

5
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Не п***йте, що є. Нормально пояснив.

6
00:00:33,000 –> 00:00:34,000
Доступно?

7
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Так, це моє, я думаю, зі мною зараз згодиться, я зараз не говорю про вищі керівництві.

8
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Але ви розумієте, що ми запікаємо це.

9
00:00:39,000 –> 00:00:46,000
Ні, ну тоді не втратить те, що є, але краще хай буде запікування. Я думаю, що зі мною зараз згодиться 90% командирів переднього краю.