“The new army corps system will represent a higher level of command, integrating multiple brigades. Experts are convinced that this reorganization will improve coordination and effectiveness on the front, Kyiv Post reports.
Better late than never?
On February 23, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy approved the composition of an army corps and the appointment of 18 potential commanders. Each corps will be designated to a sector of the front and will have permanent brigades under its command. A standard corps will consist of five brigades, while some will include seven.
The Ukrainian Land Forces will have 13 army corps, plus two airborne assault corps, one naval corps, and two National Guard corps.
“For three years, we have gained unique experience in fierce battles, carried out successful counterattacks, and become the most efficient in using drones on the front. We have introduced technologies, changed the approach to personnel training, and created the best recruitment system in the country. Now it’s time to expand our horizons,” said Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Assault Brigade, without providing further details.
Why do we need army corps?
Until now, command at the army corps level has been provided by operational and operational-tactical groups (OSUV and OTUV). Andriy Haruk, a military historian and professor at the Ukrainian Land Forces Academy, explains that the corps structure will lead to a higher quality of operational command.
“The corps should replace OSUV and OTUV. The brigades should be united by a common history, types of weapons, and similar missions. Right now, we have a ‘salad’ of different brigades and ‘attached’ units that are randomly moved, losing coordination. The army corps is an integrated structure,” says Haruk.
One of the reasons for introducing this system is the increase in army numbers. In the 2000s, Ukraine abolished the corps structure, and under President Viktor Yanukovych, the army was intentionally weakened, reaching a strength of only 100,000 soldiers – half of whom were support troops.
Read the full analysis HERE.”