**Ukraine Overhauls Draft Office System Amid Abuse Reports**
The Ukrainian military is taking a major step to clean up its draft office system. The decision comes after numerous reports of abuse and misconduct since Russia’s invasion in 2022. According to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, 136 officers and 325 other service members involved in misconduct were transferred to new positions in the army.
This move aims to address long-standing issues with draft offices, which are often accused of forced conscription without regard for fundamental civil rights and ill-treatment of conscripts. These problems have been exploited by Russian propaganda to fuel social tensions in Ukraine and undermine recruitment efforts.
Syrskyi emphasized that cases of forced detention of citizens by draft officers are “absolutely unacceptable.” The leadership expects the newly appointed commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov, to address these problems.
**Draft Offices Under Scrutiny**
Inspections are underway in draft centers to identify and replace officers without battlefield experience with soldiers who have been wounded in battles. This change aims to improve the efficiency and fairness of the mobilization process.
Syrskyi stressed that corrupt officials and violators of the law must be held accountable for their actions. “Corrupt officials and violators of the law in the mobilization process must be exposed,” he said. “All necessary measures should be taken against such violators.”
**Russia’s Aggression Continues**
Meanwhile, Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukraine. Overnight, Russian forces targeted Chernihiv Oblast with ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and drones. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the attack.
The situation on the front lines remains dire, with Ukrainian defenders facing over 695,000 Russian troops across a 1,200-kilometer front. As of mid-June, the estimated cost-to-result ratio of Ukrainian deep strikes is 1:15.
**Ukraine’s Struggle Continues**
Ukraine faces significant challenges in defending itself against Russia’s much more numerous forces. The country needs more surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft missile systems to ensure reliable defense of cities and critical infrastructure facilities, Syrskyi said.
The Ukrainian government is working to strengthen its military capabilities through partnerships with international partners, including Denmark, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania. These efforts aim to counter Russia’s aggressive actions and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
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