Much has been said and written about the various reasons why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not gone quite according to plan. Corruption, poor military leadership and old equipment are often highlighted.
In the podcast “Why that?” Chief of Defence, Eirik Kristoffersen, highlights a decisive factor. Namely the ranks and loyalty in the military. He believes that a very strict rank system in the military can be harmful, something he says he has tried to work with in the Armed Forces.
– It can create a culture where people do not dare to speak up, because the respect for degrees is greater than it should be. We must be loyal and not obedient. Loyalty means speaking up when something is wrong, whereas with obedience you only do as you are told, and that can be very dangerous, says Kristoffersen.
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Decisive in Ukraine
When asked by the podcast host, Ivo Vatnar Eikje, whether obedient soldiers are not necessary in war, he draws the parallel to the war in Ukraine.
– No, it is very dangerous to have obedient soldiers. I mean what we are seeing in Ukraine now is exactly that. The Russian soldiers and officers are very obedient, while they face an opponent in the form of the Ukrainian soldiers who are loyal to their values and country. They are loyal to defend their country against a Russian attack, and then the loyal win against the obedient, says Kristoffersen.
Russian strength
Several experts have previously stated that Russia probably aimed to reach the Ukrainian capital Kyiv within a short time before the invasion began. Instead, the war has now lasted for over a year, and claimed a large number of lives on both sides.
– Because on paper, one would think that the Russian soldiers would be able to take larger parts of Ukraine than they have done, but they cannot do it, says Kristoffersen.
Among other things, Putin and the Kremlin declared partial mobilization last September. Which led to large flows of Russian men of service age fleeing the country.
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