The Economist: Ukraine struggles to resolve mobilization issue, Kyiv faces tough decisions
Kyiv • UNN
Ukraine is desperately trying to find new fighters to strengthen its defense on the front line. Soon, Kyiv may have to take more difficult decisions to increase mobilization in the country.
Ukraine is desperate to resolve the issue of mobilization in order to cover the front line with new recruits. Kyiv may soon face difficult decisions on how to replenish the army. This is stated in an article by The Economist "Ukrainian army is trying to find good recruits", UNN reports.
Details
It is noted that many of the Ukrainian military did not expect that after basic military training in Western Europe they would be assigned to assault brigades in the hottest areas of the front.
The mobilized do not know which part of the frontline they will be deployed to. Lawyers call such actions a "deployment lottery". The publication notes that it is this "lottery" that complicates the mobilization process.
In , the Economist noted that in some places, army leaders trying to fill the ranks of new recruits have begun to resort to raids on gyms and shopping centers. At the same time, journalists point to the low effectiveness of such fighters.
At the same time, an unnamed senior officer emphasizes the need to strengthen the army with younger fighters.
We see 45- to 47-year-olds. They are out of breath when they get to the front line
Recognizing this problem, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has begun work on a new mobilization strategy.
Defense Ministry spokesman Illarion Pavliuk told the publication that part of the problem lies in the army's successes: many citizens no longer perceive the war in existential terms, as they did immediately after Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Some people mistakenly believe that there is someone else who can do this work for them
It is noted that the reforms are aimed at giving those who are hesitant more choice: recruits can, to a greater or lesser extent, sign up for a specific position. The new digital registry will improve the ministry's understanding of Ukraine's human resources. In addition, there will be a better system of rest and rotations.
After all, volunteers will be mobilized for a certain period of time, not indefinitely, as is the case now.
The publication points to the 3rd Air Assault Brigade, which has a positive experience in recruiting new fighters. The Economist notes that it is not only advertising in cities that plays a role. The brigade's reputation for competent command, good equipment, and low casualty rate is equally important. Recruits are usually trained for three months, as opposed to the standard one.
Brigade spokeswoman Khrystyna Bondarenko says there is no shortage of volunteers. According to her, by the beginning of next year, the brigade will be the largest in Ukraine, about the size of a NATO division.
Addendum
At the same time , The Economist emphasizes that, according to critics , the government is only "pretending" to mobilize. In particular, Viktor Kevliuk, a retired colonel who has been in charge of implementing the mobilization policy for the western part of the country since 2014, says that Ukraine risks falling into a trap.
In his opinion, russia will intensify its mobilization after the presidential election in March. The GUR agrees with him.
The newspaper emphasizes that Zelenskyy has been trying to resist the calls of the military leadership to increase mobilization. For example, his top generals have insisted on lowering the age at which nonreservists can be mobilized, which is currently 27.
There were also other proposals for stricter enforcement of mobilization laws. The newspaper says that the president backed down partly for political reasons, as if he did not want to irritate the population too much.
The publication predicts that the authorities will have to make difficult decisions. In particular, for Colonel Kevliuk, the army is a beast that needs to be fed.
We have no choice but to be bloodthirsty
However, some officials favor a more consensual approach. A senior source predicts media campaigns promoting national sacrifice and warning that russia continues to pose an existential threat.
Recall
The Verkhovna Rada plans to amend the law on mobilization, military registration and military service. In particular, it is planned to cancel the deferment for students who are pursuing a second or third degree.
