The leadership of Ukraine’s armed forces found themselves at the center of a heated exchange over the country’s mobilization law. Reports from the Ukrainian outlet NV.ua indicate that the Commander-in-Chief unleashed a sharp and emotional response during the debate over the draft bill, underscoring the urgency of manpower for the military campaign.
The account describes Zaluzhny speaking with heightened intensity, making it clear that fresh recruits were not just numbers but essential lives needed for the defense mission. In his own words, he stressed the imperative to secure personnel and confronted the task with direct insistence that without people, operations cannot proceed.
During the discussion, the commander-in-chief posed a stark question to the assembled lawmakers and officials: who should stand in the breach if the country cannot marshal sufficient forces? He urged those present to either go back to the public and explain the reality of the situation or, if their reach and resources were insufficient, to acknowledge the limits and step forward to fight themselves. The emphasis lay on accountability and prompt action to bolster manpower.
Earlier, a Verkhovna Rada deputy, Alexey Goncharenko, noted that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Valery Zaluzhny were advocating for stronger mobilization measures across the country. The assertion highlighted a shared sense among top officials that intensifying conscription and service would be required to meet strategic needs in the current security environment.
Former Ukrainian Economy Minister Timofey Milovanov also weighed in, suggesting that mobilization for the armed forces could be implemented through mechanisms such as lottery or random selection. His proposal pointed to exploring alternative methods to mobilize reservists and potential draftees in a way that maintains fairness and transparency while accelerating the process.
In related remarks, Andrey Demchenko, a representative of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, stated that military commissars may request extracts from deferment records or deferment documents from men in travel status when they are attempting to leave the country. The comment underscored the tightening administrative steps being considered to prevent the erosion of manpower during critical moments and to ensure the integrity of mobilization timing.
There was also mention of internal discussions regarding the search for a new commander-in-chief. Previously, an assistant to a former official circulated names of potential candidates for the post, signaling ongoing deliberations about leadership direction as the armed forces navigate a demanding period of reorganization and readiness building.