KYIV (Reuters) – A proposal from the Ukrainian army to conscript up to 500,000 additional civilians has sparked a range of reactions in Kyiv, with some expressing the need for more troops to combat Russia while others question its effectiveness without better weapon provisions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy disclosed the army’s proposal on Tuesday but has not yet made a decision on whether to support it.
The intention of such a move would be to help replenish depleted Ukrainian forces after nearly two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, but it could potentially incite backlash from those who oppose it.
While Ukraine does not publicly disclose current troop numbers, previous statements have indicated that there are approximately 1 million people in the army. In contrast, Russia has expanded its military presence since its invasion of Ukraine last year and plans to increase its army to 1.5 million.
Anton Hrushetskyi, executive director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, revealed that private polling data showed more than 65% of Ukrainians are strongly in favor or somewhat in favor of a significant additional mobilization.
However, he cautioned that the figure may be skewed as people may be inclined to give a “socially desirable” response during wartime.
Oleksandr, a 27-year-old serviceman who chose not to reveal his last name, welcomed the idea of a large mobilization, noting that frontline positions are currently thinly defended.
He also commented on the need to strengthen army reserves due to widespread fear of being conscripted and automatically sent to conflict zones.
“Most people are afraid now because they don’t understand the situation. They think they will join the forces and be killed instantly or tortured. Nothing of the sort goes on,” he said on Wednesday in the Ukrainian capital.
Ukraine, which imposed martial law after Russia invaded, has been regularly conscripting individuals into the army throughout the war.
The draft process takes place largely out of public view, although some social media videos have surfaced showing draft officers distributing call-up papers on the street, at metro stations, or at gyms, and at times resorting to force against those who resist.
Rafael, a 40-year-old sculptor who chose not to disclose his last name, expressed concern that forcibly conducting a large-scale mobilization could negatively impact morale on the front lines.
“People’s motivation is dying. If some are forced to fight against their will, our army won’t be as motivated to fight,” he said.
Tetiana, a 37-year-old office worker, stressed that securing more military and financial support from abroad is more crucial than manpower.
“I think mobilizing people won’t be enough to win the war. We need the support of the West, the United States. Our soldiers will not suffice,” she said.
Assistance packages totaling more than $100 billion from the United States and the European Union have been delayed due to political concerns abroad.
“This mobilization won’t help the cause. There is no point in mobilizing huge amounts of people and then leaving them without equipment,” said 21-year-old serviceman Denys.
He criticized Ukrainian authorities for not allocating sufficient funds for weapons.
The military has not responded to Zelenskiy’s statement about mobilization. Military and government officials have been discussing ways to enhance mobilization for weeks.
On Monday, army chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi voiced criticism of Zelenskiy’s decision to dismiss the heads of the regional military draft offices this summer, describing them as “professionals” who are no longer in office.
He believes that the mobilization program does not need to be strengthened but rather should return to the model that worked well during the earlier stages of the war.
(Additional reporting by Stefaniia Bern; Writing by Tom Balmforth, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
