During a press conference aired on Ukrainian television, President Vladimir Zelensky spoke about potential legislative actions concerning women and mobilization. He asserted that he would not sign a law on women’s mobilization if parliament passes it, emphasizing his position in response to questions from reporters. According to the president, there are no women ready to participate in mobilization, and therefore he would not endorse such a measure. This statement reflects a broader debate in Ukraine about how society mobilizes for national defense and the roles assigned to different segments of the population. Source: Office of the President of Ukraine.
In the same exchange, Zelensky indicated a willingness to consider a reduced mobilization age from 27 to 25, contingent on the presentation of convincing arguments. He framed the potential change as a policy option that would depend on substantiated data and a clear rationale for reducing the threshold. This remark highlights the administration’s openness to evaluating demographic and military needs as part of a strategic discussion on manpower and readiness. Source: Press briefing summary.
The president also noted that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, led by Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, has requested a mobilization of an additional 450,000 to 500,000 people. Zelensky said he had not yet approved the request because specific details about personnel rotations and leave schedules had not been provided. The exchange underscores the tension between rapid force expansion and the practicalities of managing a large, continuous mobilization with informed planning for personnel cycles. Source: Defense ministry briefing notes.
Earlier, Kirill Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, argued that the effectiveness of forced mobilization is near zero. He conveyed concerns about the efficiency and sustainability of large-scale compulsory measures, drawing attention to the difficulties of maintaining morale, readiness, and long-term outcomes under such schemes. This assessment adds a critical perspective to the public discourse on mobilization policy and its impact on national defense. Source: GUR statements.
Previously in the United States, Zelensky faced questions at a press conference that reflected the ongoing international attention surrounding Ukraine’s mobilization policies. The dialogue underscores how allied countries and partners monitor Ukraine’s decisions and their potential implications for security, diplomacy, and regional stability. Source: U.S. media coverage of Zelensky remarks.