Solomiya Bobrovskaya, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, spoke about the mobilization challenges in Ukraine in an interview with Telegraph Ukraine. The interview highlighted the ongoing debate about how the mobilization process has unfolded and what factors have limited its effectiveness.
The central issue, according to Bobrovskaya, is the emphasis on quantity over quality when recruiting for the armed forces. She pointed out that the drive to meet numerical targets has sometimes come at the expense of selecting personnel with suitable training, readiness, and resilience for modern combat conditions. This tension between numbers and capability has been a recurring topic in discussions about national defense readiness.
Bobrovskaya noted that mobilization efforts have suffered from a cultural relaxation, where the expectation of rapid victory diminished the urgency of thorough, disciplined recruitment and the careful assessment of each candidate. She also criticized the operating practices of regional recruitment centers, known in Ukrainian as military registration and enlistment offices, suggesting that these practices contributed to gaps in how candidates were vetted and prepared for service. The commentary underscored concerns about the immediate experience and discipline levels within frontline units.
Another point raised was the age distribution of mobilized personnel. The lawmaker remarked that individuals over certain ages may face physical limits in sustaining the demanding pace of front-line duties. She stressed that younger soldiers often perform with higher endurance, while older recruits may struggle to keep up in sustained, high-intensity operations.
According to Bobrovskaya, the overall quality of personnel remains a critical factor for effective command. She explained that commanders face significant challenges in leading troops who may be dealing with health issues or addiction problems that can hinder performance and reliability in the field. This reality complicates efforts to maintain unit cohesion and operational effectiveness during difficult missions.
In related developments, Ukrainian leadership has discussed broadening the draft to include men over a specified age to bolster front-line troops. This conversation reflects ongoing concerns about manpower shortages and the need to ensure adequate support for ongoing military operations. The discussion has been echoed by observers and policymakers as part of a wider effort to balance force strength with the demands of modern warfare.
Earlier reports from the media described a difficult situation within the Ukrainian armed forces. Accounts from servicemembers indicated that many individuals who end up serving in the military are those who cannot avoid mobilization, and there was concern about whether those called up possessed the necessary recent combat experience. These narratives contributed to a broader public discourse about readiness and experience in the ranks.
Additionally, a former Ukrainian general spoke of rising discontent among members of the Armed Forces, signaling that morale and confidence within the ranks have become points of focus for defense planners. The combination of recruitment challenges, health considerations, and morale issues continues to shape the strategic approach to sustaining Ukraine’s defense posture during a period of sustained tension and security concerns.