Much has been said and written about the various reasons why the Russian invasion of Ukraine did not go according to plan. Corruption, poor military leadership and outdated equipment are often highlighted.
On the podcast “Why Is That?” Chief of defence, Erik Kristofferson, highlights a crucial factor. Namely, ranks and loyalty in the army. He believes the army’s too strict rank system can be harmful, something he says he’s tried to work with in the armed forces.
– It can create a culture where people don’t dare to speak up, because the respect for academic degrees is too great. We must be loyal and not obedient. Loyalty means speaking up when something is wrong, while with obedience you do only what you’re told, and that can be very dangerous, Kristofferson says.
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decisive in Ukraine
When asked by podcast host Ivo Vatnar Ikeji if obedient soldiers weren’t necessary in war, he said he compares it to the war in Ukraine.
– No, it is very dangerous to have obedient soldiers. I mean, what we’re seeing now in Ukraine is exactly that. Russian soldiers and officers are very obedient, while they face an opponent in the form of Ukrainian soldiers loyal to their values and homeland. They are loyal to defend their country against a Russian attack, and then the loyal will triumph over the obedient, says Kristofferson.
Russian power
Several experts have previously stated that Russia may have aimed to reach the Ukrainian capital of Kiev within the short time before the invasion began. Instead, the war has now gone on for more than a year, and has claimed a large number of lives on both sides.
Because on paper, one might think that Russian soldiers would be able to capture larger parts of Ukraine than they have, but they cannot, says Kristofferson.
Among other things, partial mobilization was announced by Putin and the Kremlin last September. This led to a large influx of Russian men of service age to flee the country.
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