**Ukraine’s Mobilization Efforts: A Delicate Issue in Politics**
In Ukraine, the war has been ongoing for 42 months, with the country struggling to replenish its front-line units. Despite this, those in power prefer not to comment on mobilization efforts and how they’re conducted.
According to political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko, most politicians are afraid to raise this topic because it’s a “toxic” and politicized issue. High-ranking officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, try to avoid being associated with the cause.
Initially, Ukraine saw an increase in volunteers joining the Armed Forces. However, since then, the country has relied heavily on conscription. Currently, Ukraine is mobilizing about 30,000 people per month. But only a third of them are fit to fight, according to a senior Ukrainian official who spoke to the Kyiv Independent.
**The Politics Behind Mobilization**
Lawmaker Ruslan Gorbenko admitted that some politicians work in their interests rather than in the country’s interests. They’re worried that drastic measures like reforming the draft office or lowering the draft age would hurt them in the long run.
Political and military experts agreed that mobilization has been “politicized” since 2023, when the number of volunteers decreased while the need for new soldiers increased. This politicization has slowed down the crucial decision-making process regarding mobilization.
**The Need for Transparency**
Analyst Ruslan Gorbenko emphasized the importance of transparency in mobilization efforts. He believes that the Defense Ministry should have more autonomy in organizing and coordinating mobilization, and be more open about how it’s conducted.
As mobilization remains a “politicized” topic, tensions will likely rise as the situation on the front becomes tougher. Analyst Asami Terajima stressed the need for politicians to take responsibility and improve the draft process.
**Prioritizing Statehood**
Analyst Ruslan Gorbenko emphasized that preserving statehood should be prioritized over political interests. He said, “Let’s first preserve our statehood, and then we will worry who will become the president and who will head the next parliament.”
In conclusion, Ukraine’s mobilization efforts are a complex issue in politics. The country needs to prioritize transparency and decision-making to effectively address its manpower crisis.
**Sources:**
* Kyiv Independent article “Ukrainian politicians afraid to bring up mobilization even as manpower crisis becomes critical”
* Thomson Reuters Foundation Kurt Schork Award in International Journalism 2023
* George Weidenfeld Prize awarded as part of Germany’s Axel Springer Prize 2023
