Drunkenness at the front: People’s Deputy Roman Kostenko and paramedic Alina Mykhailova about the shocking reality
The problem of drunkenness among the military is a complex and painful topic that has been silenced in society for a long time. In the conditions of war, when every day at the front is a struggle for survival, drunkenness becomes not only a personal tragedy for individual soldiers, but also a direct threat to the effectiveness of the entire army. Recently, this problem has come to the surface thanks to military statements, journalistic investigations and open discussions. In particular, the Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, People’s Deputy Roman Kostenko, openly spoke about the scale of this problem and its consequences in his interview for Radio NV.
Roman Kostenko about drunkenness in the ZSU
Roman Kostenko called drunkenness in the Armed Forces of Ukraine a “shameful phenomenon” that has a great impact on the conduct of hostilities. According to him, the consequences of this phenomenon are often tragic.
“I saw how the actions of people under the influence of alcohol led to deaths. Then they sobered up and cried, but nothing could be changed.” — People’s Deputy emphasized.
Kostenko called on society not to idealize the army, recognizing that the Armed Forces are a part of society with its own problems that do not disappear in the combat zone.
“There is no need to think that on the battlefield everyone is right and holy, and only the commanders are bad. In the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as in the whole society, life is boiling,” — he noted.
Roman Kostenko also believes that drunkenness among the military is not only a personal issue, but also a strategic problem that can reduce the combat effectiveness of the army. Alcohol affects situational awareness, decision-making, and interactions among military personnel, which can lead to tragic mistakes. despite all the challenges, this problem must be solved at the system level. This requires both disciplinary measures and an understanding of the psychological state of the military, which is in constant tension.
Kostenko about cases of bullying in the Armed Forces
Kostenko also commented on the journalistic investigation about the abuse of soldiers of the 211th pontoon-bridge brigade of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He emphasized that such cases are absolutely unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement agencies.
“No one has the right to abuse military personnel or use torture. Those responsible must be punished and I hope that the investigation will be conducted properly,” — stressed Kostenko.
Alina Mykhaylova about drunkenness and drugs in the army
Also the problem of drunkenness commented Member of the Standing Committee on Budget and Socio-Economic Development, deputy of the Kyiv City Council, volunteer paramedic, founder of the frontline medical service. Military volunteer “Army SOS” Alina Mykhaylova.
Alina Mykhaylova, who has six years of experience in military affairs, including three years of official service in the army and three years as a volunteer in a combat unit, spoke harshly about the problem of drinking and drug addiction among the military. Her words reflect a reality that is often silenced, but which has a direct impact on the lives of soldiers and the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Mykhailova openly says that drunkenness and drugs among the military is not just a personal problem, but a mortal threat to the unit. She gives examples of how such habits can lead to loss of position, capture or even death.
“It’s very easy to sit at home on the couch drinking tea and yell about the ‘rights’ of alcoholics and drug addicts in the military. But most of you have no idea what a deadly threat this is to a unit. I’ve seen a soldier in a position holding not an assault rifle, and the bottle, or as a person who is supposed to cover you, is looking for another dose or “glass”. This is not just a weakness – it is a danger to the life of everyone around, “she explains.
Mykhailova also spoke about cases when the enemy penetrated the positions because the soldiers were drunk:
“How many positions were drunk? How many times did the enemy come in while they were sleeping in puddles of antiseptic? How many were taken prisoner or just killed? They won’t tell you about it on TV, but it happens.” — she declares.
One of the reasons for the spread of drunkenness, Mykhaylova considers the tradition of drinking alcohol as part of military rituals. She harshly criticizes this practice, calling it not honor, but degradation:
“Why is alcohol still part of military traditions? Drinking a glass for a rank, an anniversary or a fallen comrade is not commemoration, it is degradation,” she emphasizes.
Instead, Mykhailova suggests borrowing the traditions of NATO military countries, where fallen comrades are honored with physical exercises, such as push-ups or running:
“At NATO, fallen comrades are honored by doing push-ups right at the funeral next to their brother’s coffin. They do it with full commitment, feeling with every cell of their body the strength and unity that they lost. It is a worthy tribute to the sacrifice that the brother made.”
Mykhaylova points out that the problem of drunkenness and drug addiction begins at the stage of selection for the ranks of the army:
“While military commissars and medical commissions turn a blind eye, chronic alcoholics and drug addicts who are deemed “fit” enter the front. Then they are thrown onto the shoulders of commanders, who are forced to put them in positions because there are no other people.”
She also emphasizes that people with serious health problems, such as cirrhosis, thrombosis or even chronic addictions, undergo medical examinations. This creates danger for the entire unit, because such people cannot perform combat tasks.
Alina Mykhaylova offers a comprehensive approach to solving this problem:
- Hard selection. People with addictions or serious illnesses should not be allowed to serve. Medical commissions should be tougher and uncompromising.
- Absolute prohibition of alcohol and drugs. A dry law should be introduced in the positions. Violations are subject to immediate suspension, fines or removal from the combat team.
- A new culture of respect. Ban the use of alcohol during rituals and replace it with physical exercises that cultivate strength and dignity.
- Rehabilitation programs. For addicts, it is necessary to create rehabilitation programs outside combat units that will help them return to normal life.
“Alcohol and drugs are the cancer of the army. It is a betrayal of comrades, positions and the country,” — summarizes Mykhailova.
In her opinion, war requires a clear mind, discipline and willpower. Those who choose degradation have no right to be at the front, because their weakness can cause the death of others.
This is a powerful call for decisive action, which should make society and the military leadership think about the scale of this problem and its consequences.
