Mobilization of 500,000 won't happen immediately, Ukrainian top official says
Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (Photo: Getty Images)
The mobilization of an additional 500,000 Ukrainians, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will not take place in the near future, states the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov.
He reminds that the soldiers currently stationed on the front line are in need of rest and a certain system proposed, named rotation.
"For this, we should have additional military personnel, but it doesn't mean that this has to happen in a month or two. It's the vision among the military for the following year. The final decision will be made after the approval of certain regulatory and strategic documents, which are currently in the development stage. So, there's no need to assume now that all 500,000 should be conscripted tomorrow," says Danilov.
The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council also emphasizes the necessity of providing each soldier with appropriate protective equipment, clothing, food, and financial support.
"All this is provided by the funds of our taxpayers, so it should be understood that it's everyone's responsibility. Individuals of the conscription age shouldn't dodge or run abroad to avoid mobilization. What is happening in some cities today, with nightclubs, casinos, bars... We're in a war, and I want everyone to understand that this is a collective matter, everyone should participate in repelling the aggressor: those who can, directly on the front lines, and those in business, paying taxes. If it's not a collective effort, it will be extremely difficult for us to maintain this situation, this aggression," he stressed.
Mobilization in Ukraine
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, mobilization has continued. Recently, decisions have been made to change the procedure for its conduct, and the Ukrainian Parliament is working on a bill, incorporating initiatives from the military.
As Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed, the General Staff requested an additional mobilization of 450-500 thousand people, which would cost Ukraine an additional 500 billion hryvnias.
RBC-Ukraine has asked a military expert if additional mobilization is needed and why. More about this in our material.
