AFU soldiers go on hunger strike over refusal to transfer to another unit
5 December 08:46
Yulia Dee, a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, went on a hunger strike because her request for transfer to another unit was not granted. She announced the start of the protest on social media, saying she was ready to wait for the review of her appeal, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
Yulia said that she had filed a report with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine asking to be transferred to a combat unit created on the basis of a rear unit. However, she was denied, arguing that the unit she wanted to transfer to was still a rear unit.
“About the details of the transfer. The Army refused me because the unit I am transferring to is allegedly a rear unit. In fact, a combat unit has been created on the basis of the rear unit and I want to join it. So I’m not going on strike, I want the General Staff of the Armed Forces to reconsider the report, because a company of shock troops cannot be a rear guard a priori,” explained Yulia.
Yulia stated that she would not eat until her report was reviewed. According to her, she considers the refusal unreasonable and insists on her right to serve in a combat unit.
“The first day without food, so far without any significant complications, and this is understandable. The report is also unchanged, unfortunately. I probably have some time, so let’s wait,” she wrote.
In the Army app, the military responded that they are aware of such cases.
“Some combat units were created on the basis of old rear units and therefore can still be considered rear units. Unfortunately, we cannot correct this mistake quickly. But we are aware of it and are working to resolve it,” she said in her response.
Yulia also emphasized that she has been waiting for a decision for five months:
“I can’t wait forever for you to fix the mistakes. i’ve been waiting for a transfer for 5 months, hey, this is not normal!”
So far, there has been no official reaction from the General Staff of the Armed Forces to the situation.
However, the case has already sparked discussions on social media, where users express support for the military and criticize bureaucratic obstacles in the army.
As a reminder, on November 15, a new feature was introduced in the Army app that allows members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to submit a request for transfer to another unit.
How the new feature works
To submit a request, you must have with you
- a military ID card or an officer’s certificate;
- a letter of recommendation from the unit to which the transfer is planned;
- a conclusion of the military qualification commission (for transfers for health reasons).
It is important to note that at this stage, the commander’s consent is not required. The request is automatically sent to the Personnel Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where it is reviewed within 72 hours.
The service provides for transparency at all stages. In case of refusal, the Army app indicates the reasons, which are defined by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1291 of 12.11.2024.
For example, a transfer is prohibited if:
- the serviceman has served in the unit for less than six months;
- less than a year has passed since the previous transfer at the initiative of the military.
The day before, the Army app conducted a survey on the problem of transferring to other places of service. The main questions were about the current service position, duties, military experience and reasons for wanting to change units. At that time, the Ministry of Defense announced the simplification of this procedure for the Armed Forces.
