As the war between Ukraine and Russia nears two years, Ukraine’s military has sought to mobilise up to 5,00,000 additional people amid drying up of western financial and military support, Reuters reported. Addressing a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said top Army commanders have asked him to mobilise 4,50,000 to 500,000 men and women, including through conscription.
Calling it a “highly sensitive”, Zelensky, however, said the government would hold talks with the military before sending the proposal to Parliament. He, however, ruled out any proposal to mobilise women.
Zelenskyy emphasised on the need for comprehensive discussions and strong justifications before supporting such a move. He said the decision involved critical factors like people’s involvement, fairness, defence capabilities, and financial implications.
“I need specifics: what will happen to the million-strong army of Ukraine, what will happen to those guys who have been defending our state for two years? We have issues of rotation and holidays. It should be a comprehensive plan.” Zelenskyy was quoted by BBC.
The development comes as Ukraine is enduring its toughest period since the early days of Russia’s invasion in February 2022 amid aid setbacks from the US and the EU. While Ukraine has not disclosed its exact troop numbers on ground, it previously stated having approximately 1 million personnel in service. Russia has declared plans to bolster its ranks to 1.5 million service members.
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In the press conference, Zelensky mentioned the substantial financial backing required, estimated at an additional $13.5 billion, to support the proposed mobilisation, underscoring the need for clarity on how these troops would be utilised in the conflict with Russia.
The Ukrainian President has been unwilling to resort to more extensive conscription amid fears that it could stoke social tensions. However, Zelensky said that “if needed”, he would sign a law, presently being debated in Parliament, that would reduce the age at which men can be compelled to join the military to 25 from 2.
Zelensky, however, said he was confident that the US and EU would not betray Ukraine amid testing times. “I am confident that the US will not betray us. That what we agreed with the US will be implemented, fully,” the president said.