The debate over the need for Ukraine’s Defence Forces to adopt a new operational structure, consolidating units on specific sections of the front into divisions and corps, has been ongoing for some time. The current system, in which brigades are the largest units, proves ineffective in modern warfare. With the frontline extending over 1,000 kilometres, even a well-equipped brigade—now a rarity—can hold a defensive line for just 20 km at best. In practice, without attached units from other divisions, this is often unfeasible.
Efforts to manage the front by establishing operational-tactical commands (OTUs), responsible for frontlines similar to those of a corps, and operational-strategic commands (OSUVs), assigned army-level zones, have also failed. These are temporary units, not permanent ones, led by a mix of personnel with frequent officer rotations, which diminishes the effectiveness of command. Administratively, the troops remain under separate operational commands (OK), which, during combat operations, temporarily place forces under the authority of OTUs and OSUVs.
Clearly, further delay in addressing the situation could have led to even greater challenges than those faced today. Therefore, the higher military leadership decided to proceed with structural changes. Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, officially announced the transition of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to a corps-level command system.
“We are tackling the challenges of our time, working to strengthen the army even in these difficult conditions,” Oleksandr Syrskyi wrote on Facebook today. “The reform of the Armed Forces’ organisational structure continues, and we have begun implementing measures to transition to a corps-based system.”
This announcement, however, was hardly unexpected. It had been clear since autumn that significant changes were underway. On January 28, President Zelenskyy confirmed that the formation of corps within the Ukrainian Armed Forces was discussed at a meeting of the Headquarters. “There is real progress on this front. We will continue to strengthen the army, scaling up combat brigades and fostering the right kind of military experience. Building on the first identified brigades, other systemic steps will follow, and modernising the army system is non-negotiable.”
According to the reform and reorganisation plan for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the transition to a “corps-brigade” command structure is underway. A corps will consist of multiple tactical units, branches of the military, special forces, and command and support structures. It will include 4-7 brigades with an expanded command network. This system is set to significantly reduce both human and material resources. The creation of the Army Corps stems from the need for units capable of operating independently on specific operational fronts. Army corps were developed with the rise of mass armies, as the spatial scale of military operations expanded and managing large formations with diverse armament became more complex.
