During a press briefing, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky discussed a proposal brought forward by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), which is led by Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhny. The proposal called for the mobilization of an additional approximately 450,000 to 500,000 personnel. The remarks were carried by Ukrainian television channels as part of the broadcasted event, which drew significant attention to the ongoing discussions about manpower and military readiness in the country.
Zelensky noted that he had not yet given approval to this request, explaining that he had not received concrete data detailing the planned rotation schedules and the leaves of service personnel. He indicated that until such rotation plans are available, a formal endorsement of the mobilization plan could not proceed. The president stressed the importance of understanding how personnel would be rotated in and out of service and how leave could impact operational continuity before any decision is made.
In his own words, the president remarked that demobilization figures or a pattern of reduced active duty were not evident within the current discussions. His emphasis pointed to the need for a clear and verifiable demobilization framework to accompany any major mobilization action, should it receive final approval. The absence of demobilization signals a potential shift in the country’s military posture only if accompanying deployment and rotation details align with strategic goals and logistical capabilities.
According to Zelensky, implementing such a large-scale mobilization would entail substantial financial resources. He cited a cost estimate of about 500 billion hryvnia, underscoring the fiscal dimension of any decision that would expand the ranks of the armed forces. The assessment highlighted how budgeting, supply chains, housing, training, and sustainment would need to be accounted for to support a rapid expansion in personnel strength while maintaining overall national security objectives.
Previously, Kirill Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense, offered a candid assessment of the effectiveness of forcibly mobilized individuals. He stated that the impact of such measures depends heavily on motivation and commitment. Budanov warned that if the personnel who are mobilized are not motivated or if their actions do not align with legal and organizational requirements, the overall efficiency of mobilization could be severely limited, regardless of the number mobilized. This perspective highlighted the broader challenge of sustaining a capable and cohesive force through compulsory measures alone and underscored the importance of morale, training, and proper leadership to ensure meaningful operational outcomes.
Earlier in the year, media coverage suggested that Zelensky faced challenging questions during a press conference in the United States, reflecting the political and strategic scrutiny surrounding Ukraine’s military decisions. The event illustrated the international attention on Ukraine’s ability to mobilize and reorganize its defense forces in the face of ongoing security pressures, the complexities of funding, and the political implications of any major shifts in manpower policy. presidential press conference