The musicians of the Lviv Military Orchestra of the National Academy of Land Forces named after Hetman Petro Sahaidachny decided to send them to the front as infantry. This decision caused public outrage and harsh criticism from some politicians.
On January 24, 2025, People's Deputy Sofia Fedyna sharply expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of the command. She drew attention to the fact that instead of involving people with appropriate military or law enforcement training in combat missions, they decided to send musicians who have no experience at the front. According to Fedyna, such a decision is unjustified and irresponsible.
"The Lviv military orchestra is being sent to the front line as infantry. Musicians are very "super-efficient fighters". Unlike police officers, investigators, rescuers or retired security officers who have training and know how to use weapons," the deputy noted on her Facebook page.
The criticism also concerns the fact that the front needs people with combat experience, not musicians who play an important role in the cultural and ritual life of the army, accompanying the burial of fallen soldiers. “Soon there will not even be anyone to play the Heroes’ last journey at the daily funerals,” she concluded.
Fedyna emphasized the need to preserve the orchestra, as these musicians perform an important mission, not only as part of the army's cultural heritage, but also as a support for morale during the burial of heroes.
