Former People's Deputy Oleg Lyashko received the position of battalion commander, which caused discussion and criticism from military experts. According to information, the document on Lyashko's appointment was signed on October 11, 2024, but questions arise about his compliance with the military rank.
Former deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine from the "Radical Party" Oleh Lyashko has become the battalion commander. This was announced by the commander of the intelligence unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Denys Yaroslavsky, in a post on his Facebook page.
In the post, he expressed concern about what is currently happening in the Ukrainian army. Yaroslavsky noted that Lyashko received the position of commander of the unmanned systems battalion of one of the mechanized brigades, although he is only a lieutenant. Such positions are held by military personnel with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
“How do you like this promotion: Lieutenant Lyashko O. V., you have to give him credit, sometimes came to the KSP and hung out to report, was appointed a battalion commander in one of the brigades,” Yaroslavsky wrote and published the relevant document with the order on the appointment.
In particular, the document states that it was issued on October 11, 2024. It was signed by the commander of the Army Corps of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Oleh Lyashko himself did not comment on the appointment. In April 2023, he published a photo in military uniform and wrote that he himself had mobilized.
“I didn’t wait for the summonses. In April, I went to the military registration and enlistment office and asked to be mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I’ve been serving for almost half a year. And I haven’t regretted my decision for a single second. The best men and women of Ukraine are with me. We are defending our families, our land, our Ukraine,” the former People’s Deputy said. Later, he periodically published photos with the military and said that he had brought help from volunteers.
Lyashko's appointment was commented on in a number of military Telegram channels. A post was also published by a Lieutenant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the pseudonym "Alex".
He ironically noted that “even the tigers, who have been fighting since 2014, are delighted with such a rapid career: in less than 3 years, to transform from a civilian into a combatant… well, that's something incredible.”.
