What did Nayyem mean by “surrender” and the reaction to the military’s loud statements from the ground up

4 November 20:50
ANALYSIS FROM Komersant ukrainskyi

War veteran and lawyer Masi Nayyem made a loud statement calling on Ukrainians to actively join the Armed Forces and warning of threats. He says that if 160,000 citizens do not come to mobilize over the next two months, the military will sign a surrender.

At the same time, volunteer and Victory Drones project manager Maria Berlinska said that the state should increase recruitment of women into the Armed Forces. She said that either we keep our men, or we have to mobilize women as well, or we have to surrender. What do such statements mean for society amid the difficult situation at the front? [Kommersant] analyzed.

“We will have to surrender” and “surrender”. These theses were a red thread in the statements of both media personalities, Masi Nayem and Maria Berlinska. However, we have rarely heard about our even probable defeat either among the military or among experts during the entire war.

Masi Nayyem says that three years at ground zero, or in the army in general, is too much, and he understands how difficult it is for those who have continued to serve since the first day of the large-scale Russian invasion.

Let’s ask those who are now at ground zero whether they would agree to an official recognition of defeat or under what conditions?

What do the soldiers say from the ground zero?

In an exclusive commentary for [Kommersant] Yevhen Ievlev, a fighter with the call sign “Sheikh,” called Massi Nayem’s call for mobilization not unfounded, noting the critical need for additional infantry.

“In fact, there is a very great need to mobilize about 150-200 thousand people today. This is absolutely true. Yes, everyone can see from the General Staff’s report that the enemy’s losses are not decreasing every day. This means that our guys are using their munitions to the best of their ability. Mortars, artillery, drones and all means of destruction. But there is a negative trend in the movement of the line, meaning that the enemy manages to occupy some parts of the front. This is only due to the shortage of infantry holding the defense line,” Yevhen Ievlev

the “Sheikh” also dispelled the myths that the infantry crisis occurred only because of heavy losses in the Armed Forces. Yes, there were some losses, but many soldiers went through excessive stress and were simply exhausted. Some were wounded, some were captured, or in the NWC because they could not stand it psychologically.

However, despite all the difficulties, there is no idea of surrender among the military, because they understand the need to continue the fight.

“There is no talk of surrender among my close comrades-in-arms or among the military with whom I communicate. It can be forced only when the front line starts moving even faster,” Yevhen Ievlev

Yevhen “Tykhyi”, an officer of the Ukrainian Defense Forces , in an exclusive comment to KU, noted that the decision to “surrender” is beyond the military’s authority and should be made by the government. The serviceman suggests that Nayyem could have based his words on an analysis of possible scenarios, including the refusal of Western allies to support Ukraine or a significant weakening of its support.

“To make such a statement, you need to have real facts or information. Assumptions that can lead to such conclusions should be clearly stated.” – Yevhen “Tykhyi”

Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman Kyrylo Sazonov, who is currently performing combat missions in the Kursk sector, gave a brief response to Nayem’s statement in an exclusive commentary Komersant ukrainskyi.

“I don’t even know what to say. We will not sign anything”, – Kirill Sazonov

Earlier, Maxim Zhorin, the commander of the Third Assault Brigade, expressed doubts about Russia’s readiness for peace talks and said that the enemy needs nothing but Ukraine’s surrender.

“The only purpose for which the Russians are interested in negotiations is our surrender. […] Russians stop only where they are stopped. This is the only truth we should remember.” – Maksym Zhorin

Challenges of mobilization: expert’s explanation

The situation at the front is difficult, but under control. Valeriy Klochok, Head of the Center for Public Analysis “Vezha”, in an exclusive commentary for [Kommersant] noted that Russia’s strategy in Ukraine is facing resource constraints, although Putin is still relying on mobilizing new reserves.

“Putin understands this, so he is so burned out and now he is throwing everything at the front? The losses of the Russian military are enormous, a thousand and a half dead every day. Offensives with armored vehicles are an exception rather than a system for the Russians. How much mobilization resources the Russians have is also a question,” Valeriy Klochok

The difficulties of mobilization in Ukraine, including the registration of persons liable for military service, also remain relevant, says Klochok. In particular, there is still a misunderstanding between citizens and the military service, but they are working on it.

“In Ukraine, mobilization has not stopped, but many people have not yet updated their data. This is now on the agenda,” Klochok said.

Controlling the situation: Ukraine is looking for solutions in the midst of war

Ukraine is currently working on many areas in the war with Russia, including contacts on energy security, prisoner exchange and humanitarian issues that go through third countries. This was reported by Valeriy Klochok, head of the Center for Public Analysis “Vezha”, in an exclusive commentary for [Kommersant.].

“It’s no secret that negotiations with Russia are ongoing on several tracks, and even President Zelensky himself has confirmed this,” Valeriy Klochok emphasized

Internationally, China’s role in putting pressure on Russia is also growing. Valeriy Klochok explains that Beijing is dissatisfied with Kim Jong-un’s growing independence and has some leverage over the DPRK.

“Beijing reminds the DPRK of China’s role in its existence. This may limit North Korea’s potential involvement on the side of Russia,” summarizes Valeriy Klochok

Ukraine is facing important decisions and challenges in the context of the war, but, according to Klochok, the situation remains under control, although it requires further strategic planning and mobilization efforts.

Author – Anastasia Fedor

Мандровська Олександра
Editor