A Ukrainian soldier, Sgt. Serhii Tyschenko, spent 472 consecutive days on the front line. He endured constant fire in a damp bunker near Kyiv. Tyschenko's extended deployment highlights a critical issue in Ukraine's military.
Tyschenko initially anticipated a short rotation, hoping for one or two months. Instead, he remained underground for over a year, deprived of sunlight and fresh air. The prolonged isolation took a significant mental toll.
Military experts warn that lengthy rotations damage morale. They increase the risk of psychological harm, burnout, and desertion. Ukraine's military acknowledged the problem and promised to address it.
Troop shortages and drone surveillance exacerbate the issue. Drones make troop movement nearly impossible without detection. This contributes to longer deployments and increased strain on soldiers.
The Ukrainian military is expected to announce new rotation policies soon. These policies aim to alleviate the burden on frontline soldiers. The goal is to prevent burnout and maintain combat effectiveness.
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