In response to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal to conscript 500,000 men in Ukraine’s fight against Russia, Governor Vitaliy Kim of the Mykolaiv region has advocated for mobilizing the entire population of 40 million, comparing the situation to WWII. Kim argued in a TV interview that Zelenskyy’s proposal falls short, asserting that Ukraine should aim to attract at least two million volunteers or, ideally, mobilize the entire population.
Kim’s suggestion goes beyond manpower; he proposed putting all enterprises in Ukraine on a war footing, disregarding potential impacts on profits. The governor believes that an extensive mobilization effort will hasten Russia’s surrender. However, Zelenskyy’s proposal has raised concerns even in Kyiv, with Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzny expressing surprise at the specific numbers mentioned and emphasizing the need for ammunition, weapons, and resources.
Finance Minister Sergey Marchenko also expressed uncertainty about concrete plans for funding the mobilization, estimating a cost of 500 billion hryvnia ($13.2 billion). Some speculate that Zelenskyy’s announcement could be a strategic move to encourage Western support, prompting partners to provide additional weapons and funds.
While the details of the conscription plan remain unclear, Ukraine is already revising its mobilization laws. Lawmakers are considering reducing the conscription age from 27 to 25 and implementing electronic military summons. Russia’s estimates indicate significant casualties in the conflict, with approximately 400,000 Ukrainian troops killed or wounded since February 2022, including 125,000 during a failed counteroffensive between June and November. The unfolding situation raises questions about the feasibility, funding, and potential implications of mobilizing a significant portion of Ukraine’s population.
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