Ukrainian General Dmytro Marchenko retires from service

Source: Dmytro Marchenko/Facebook

On Friday, Major General Dmytro Marchenko has announced his retirement.  The military leader who was in command of Mykolaiv defenses in the early days of the war, said he will need to focus on a much-needed recovery after years on the frontlines.

“No enemy challenges, no pressure could ever stop my the unbreakable fight for Ukraine. That’s why this decision to step down is the hardest one I’ve ever made,” Marchenko wrote on his farewell statement on social media.

Marchenko’s career includes several critical missions like a reconnaissance operation in occupied Crimea, leading 75 soldiers to safety from the deadly “Izvaryne Cauldron,” and the defense of Donetsk Airport in 2014-2015.

Beyond the battlefield, he pushed for reforms in military supplies and introduced new field rations for the troops—vital changes that improved soldiers’ well-being on the ground.

“Even the unbreakable need patching up now and then to stay afloat,” Marchenko shared. “Military service always demands sacrifices, and without timely recovery, everything can feel like it’s for nothing.”

In a heartfelt note, he thanked his supporters revealing this year will be busy as he has founded the Marchenko Foundation, a charitable organization that will help the military.