Ukraine faces challenges in mobilisation amid ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged difficulties in mobilising young men aged 18 to 24 as the country continues its fight against Russian aggression.

In an exclusive interview from Kyiv, Zelenskyy emphasised that while Ukraine can mobilise around 27,000 people monthly, Russia's larger mobilisation capacity—estimated at 40,000 to 50,000 troops per month—poses a significant challenge, Caliber.Az reports.

"Mobilisation is a problem in every war. Ukraine is no exception, as we want the war to end," Zelenskyy said. "People are getting tired. We can mobilise 27,000 people a month, while the Russians can mobilise 40,000 to 50,000 because their losses are greater."

He highlighted that Ukraine's mobilisation efforts are constrained partly because no other country has experience in stopping Vladimir Putin's forces. "No one else has any experience in how to stop Putin. We were the ones who stopped him," Zelenskyy stated. 

The President also addressed the controversial decision not to fully mobilise the 18- to 24-year-old demographic, opting instead to offer one-year contracts to this age group. "I do not believe that we should mobilise people from the age of 18," Zelenskyy explained.

He noted that operation codenamed “Spiderweb” has shown that it is not the number of people that matters, but weapons and technology. And money and exerting pressure.

Zelenskyy pointed out that sanctions targeting Russian financial resources are crucial but have been hindered by political considerations. "Sanctions would target the money that the Russians are using to finance the war. However, when it comes to sanctions, Western partners often cite that Ukraine did not mobilise people aged 18 and above as a reason for hesitation," he said.

He concluded with a call for increased support, noting that thousands of Ukrainian fighters remain on the front lines without adequate weapons.

"We have now given them that opportunity, in accordance with our legislation, but thousands are fighting on the front lines without adequate weapons," Zelenskyy added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev