Despite Ukraine gaining the upper hand over Russia, manpower remains critical on the front lines. Growing tensions between military recruiters and civilians are weakening mobilization efforts.
A leading commentator with strong links to Ukraine recommends a visit to the airport in Moldova. There you will find expensive and prestigious cars parked outside whilst the Ukrainian men who own them, and are well under 60 years of age, greet their returning families, wives and children, who have been holidaying in Europe.
When the war ends how will those that valiantly fought for Ukraine accept those who dodged the draft? Every man will own a weapon as happens after war. should we expect a blood bath?
It is difficult to understand why young men, 17 years to 24 years old are not conscripted into the Ukraine Army. The average age of American soldiers who fought in WW2 was 22 years old. Most of these young men who wanted to avoid conscription simply got on a train to Poland. Not a sound of disapproval from the authorities. There should be a notice to all potential conscripts that employment in any Ukrainian Government Office will be prohibited if they deliberately avoided service in the war against the Russians.
Very hard topic to address, thank you for shedding light on the cold reality of how difficult it is to demand that people risk their lives, and what the inevitable tension of recruiters/recruited can become.
Thank you for your reporting on this important topic. Being in the fifth year of war I can understand why people would be weary about the war efforts. Especially with all the propaganda that is out there. Stay safe. 💙
A tough topic for a non-Ukrainian to comment on. I make the following observations and suggestions with respect and in humbleness:
(1) Significantly and further raise pay for those serving and enlisting. Consider special one-time enlistment bonuses. I'm sure European partners would be willing to make extra budget grants for this; (2) Offer extra financial incentives for enlistment: maybe college enrollment, an apprenticeship or tuition once duty is complete. Or childcare support to help spouses and children behind; (3) as noted already by a fellow poster, expand draft to 17 - 24 year olds (why isn't this obvious step already not in place?); (4) open recruiting offices in Poland, Germany, Hungary, other countries with large numbers of Ukrainian refugees (and presumably many draft eligible men). These offices should focus on the unique challenges and opportunities for men to potentially enlist; (5) introduce a clear policy on post-war Ukrainian citizen registration - those citizens who did not serve as lawfully required during the war will be required to complete a 2-year period of military or community (e.g. hospital, retirement home, convalescent) service. Or maybe a higher personal income tax rate for a period of 5 years? This could also be a "harsh" penalty of some kind (e.g. prison time for draft dodgers), but wouldn't Ukrainians prefer incentives of post-war solidarity and unity?
Avoiding serving for Ukraine.
A leading commentator with strong links to Ukraine recommends a visit to the airport in Moldova. There you will find expensive and prestigious cars parked outside whilst the Ukrainian men who own them, and are well under 60 years of age, greet their returning families, wives and children, who have been holidaying in Europe.
When the war ends how will those that valiantly fought for Ukraine accept those who dodged the draft? Every man will own a weapon as happens after war. should we expect a blood bath?
I worry about this a lot.
It is difficult to understand why young men, 17 years to 24 years old are not conscripted into the Ukraine Army. The average age of American soldiers who fought in WW2 was 22 years old. Most of these young men who wanted to avoid conscription simply got on a train to Poland. Not a sound of disapproval from the authorities. There should be a notice to all potential conscripts that employment in any Ukrainian Government Office will be prohibited if they deliberately avoided service in the war against the Russians.
Very hard topic to address, thank you for shedding light on the cold reality of how difficult it is to demand that people risk their lives, and what the inevitable tension of recruiters/recruited can become.
Thank you for your reporting on this important topic. Being in the fifth year of war I can understand why people would be weary about the war efforts. Especially with all the propaganda that is out there. Stay safe. 💙
A tough topic for a non-Ukrainian to comment on. I make the following observations and suggestions with respect and in humbleness:
(1) Significantly and further raise pay for those serving and enlisting. Consider special one-time enlistment bonuses. I'm sure European partners would be willing to make extra budget grants for this; (2) Offer extra financial incentives for enlistment: maybe college enrollment, an apprenticeship or tuition once duty is complete. Or childcare support to help spouses and children behind; (3) as noted already by a fellow poster, expand draft to 17 - 24 year olds (why isn't this obvious step already not in place?); (4) open recruiting offices in Poland, Germany, Hungary, other countries with large numbers of Ukrainian refugees (and presumably many draft eligible men). These offices should focus on the unique challenges and opportunities for men to potentially enlist; (5) introduce a clear policy on post-war Ukrainian citizen registration - those citizens who did not serve as lawfully required during the war will be required to complete a 2-year period of military or community (e.g. hospital, retirement home, convalescent) service. Or maybe a higher personal income tax rate for a period of 5 years? This could also be a "harsh" penalty of some kind (e.g. prison time for draft dodgers), but wouldn't Ukrainians prefer incentives of post-war solidarity and unity?