Yuriy Lutsenko, the former Prosecutor General of Ukraine, claimed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have suffered losses totaling 500,000 personnel, including those killed and wounded. He conveyed this on air at Direct TV.
He noted that the figure of 500,000 represents roughly 30,000 monthly casualties when viewed over time, highlighting the severity of what is occurring on the front lines.
According to him, Ukrainian authorities should disclose the true losses to persuade those not currently serving to reconsider, arguing that the only path to mobilize millions who are reluctant to serve is to state clearly that service is open to all, not just a select few.
Former Verkhovna Rada deputy Alexey Goncharenko added that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny are looking to strengthen mobilization across the country. Prior to this, Yegor Chernev, the deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, indicated that a proposed change in mobilization rules could affect Ukrainians who have left the country. He described more questions than answers surrounding the situation of emigrants and cited discussions in the Verkhovna Rada’s Profile Committee meetings planned for January regarding the draft law on new mobilization rules.
Earlier, there were discussions in Ukraine about engaging the public through a lottery or sweepstakes to boost participation in national efforts.