Ukraine falls short of mobilization targets in recent months - Report
3 Min Read
Kiev is revamping its military conscription system to increase the number of soldiers amid setbacks in the ongoing war with Russia, implementing stringent reforms.
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Ukrainian troops on their way towards the front line in Donetsk on 8 Apr 2024 (AFP)
Ukraine is significantly behind its recent mobilization targets, as the initial plan aimed to mobilize up to 50,000 individuals every three months, sources told the German Welt newspaper on Monday,
According to Welt, Ukraine is required to mobilize 50,000 individuals every quarter and a total of 200,000 people by the end of the year. Additionally, since May, Ukraine has reportedly released approximately 2,800 prisoners to deploy them to the battlefield.
Last month, Ukraine Defense Ministry spokesperson Dmitry Lazutkin stated that the Ukrainian society must be prepared to "make sacrifices" and relinquish their peaceful lives in order to overcome the threat posed by Russia.
Kiev is revamping its military conscription system to increase the number of soldiers amid setbacks in the ongoing war with Russia, implementing stringent reforms.
“Because this situation, when some people are fighting at the front lines, while others are living their quiet lives, is obviously coming to an end.”
The official noted that life in Kiev contrasts starkly with the situation in the eastern regions of the country, which he described as "abnormal."
“It would be normal if our enemy was weak. But with such an enemy, the whole country and the whole society need to mobilize,” he added.
The big picture
Since the outbreak of war with Russia in February 2022, Ukraine has been in dire need of replacing nearly half a million casualties, as estimated by Moscow. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu stated, on March 20, that Ukraine has lost 71,000 men and 11,000 units in 2024 alone.
To address this pressing issue, President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted amendments to conscription rules last month. These changes include lowering the draft age to 25, automating summons, and granting enlistment officers expanded powers while imposing various restrictions for draft dodgers. Additionally, the country's Foreign Ministry has suspended consular services for military-eligible Ukrainians abroad.
🇺🇦 Rich Ukrainians party in Kiev, while the poor get sent to the front. pic.twitter.com/9RVuGJWWso
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) July 1, 2024
Under the new legislation, fines for violations of military registration rules will increase up to $520, and Ukrainian authorities have warned of blocking bank accounts and imposing penalties on the property of those attempting to evade military service.
In response to these stricter measures, there has been a notable increase in Ukrainian men attempting to flee the country. Border Service spokesperson Andrey Demchenko revealed that approximately 120-150 people are apprehended trying to leave Ukraine daily, with some tragically losing their lives in the attempt.
Read more: Ukrainian army struggling with manpower shortage: WSJ
