Scandal over the transfer of aviation technicians to infantry: the Air Force has issued a statement.

The aviation technicians of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have stated that the backbone of Ukrainian aviation is under threat of destruction due to the transfer of "almost all" technical personnel to infantry roles. This refers to the individuals who service the aircraft. On January 14, this was reacted to by the acting commander of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Anatoly Krivonozhko.

"Considering the media resonance regarding the transfer of engineering and aviation service specialists to units of other branches of the Armed Forces, I officially announce — such transfers will not take place! This also applies to other critical specialties within the Air Force," he stated.

The general added that there is also no discussion regarding the transfer of soldiers who have undergone training on Western air defense systems abroad, warriors from mobile fire groups, and other highly specialized specialists who are "objectively difficult to replace."

"The situation on the front indeed requires complex decisions from the top military leadership, particularly regarding the transfer of Air Force personnel to units of other branches of the Armed Forces," he explained.

Krivonozhko noted that the Air Force has been reinforcing their counterparts on the front lines for "more than a year," primarily concerning units being trained at the Combined Infantry Brigade. Additionally, "a certain number of personnel" are being "gradually" transferred to ground units to strengthen brigades at the forefront.

"However, this will not pertain to the critical specialties and specialists involved in executing combat aviation tasks," the acting commander assured.

He emphasized that the Armed Forces are continuously working on strengthening the air defense missile troops and improving the operational efficiency of mobile groups, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of aviation. The general promised that this work would continue and thanked all defenders — "both on the ground and in the sky."

Newsweek reported that machine gunners of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region "are struggling with the pace of killings". The publication suggested that Ukrainian forces may need to change their tactics.