Ukraine replaces commander of the Territorial Defense Forces

Decision made by the President Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky issued and announced by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on May 16, according to Reuters.

“President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Major General Ihor Tansyura to replace Yuriy Halushkin as commander of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces,” the Defense Ministry confirmed. Ukraine’s Territorial Self-Defense Forces are currently supporting the country’s military to cope with the Russian military campaign.

Ihor Tansyura is an experienced general who served as Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Army. However, it was not clear why Mr. Halushkin was replaced.

President Zelensky suddenly replaced the commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

The Ukrainian Territorial Defense Force is a civilian reserve force established by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in January 2022. The number of this group is about 130,000 people.

“The main task of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine is to build a combat-ready unit from civilians through training and supporting regular troops” – news agency Reuters describes and adds that the International Corps for the Defense of Ukraine, made up of foreign volunteers, is also part of this force.

“The rapid development of the force, especially in fierce combat conditions, is a great experience from both mistakes and achievements. There are successes and unfortunately there are also losses” – Ukraine’s Defense Ministry let me know.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry also said that a battalion of the Territorial Self-Defense Forces pushed the Russian forces out of the city of Kharkov in northeastern Ukraine. Continuing the momentum, they pursued enemy forces close to the Russian border on May 16, according to Reuters.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered its 82nd day, but there is still no sign of abating.

Soldiers of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces train in the use of anti-tank grenade launchers. Photo: Reuters