Ukraine to employ commercial firms for more focused military draft
Kiev is rethinking its military recruitment practices. According to "The Guardian", "the changes include employing commercial recruitment firms". Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the Ukrainian Security Council, states, "Some people fear the act of shooting, but that doesn't imply they can't participate in other activities". He concedes that Kiev is grappling with a mobilization problem.
4:38 PM EST, November 28, 2023
These changes, to be announced later this week, will involve hiring commercial recruitment agencies to execute a more focused military draft. The goal is to place draftees in roles that align with their skills, instead of simply dispatching them to the front, according to a senior official who spoke anonymously to the news outlet.
Envisaging a "more flexible" mobilization
"There are individuals who are gripped by fear - fear of death, fear of shooting - but that doesn't mean they can't contribute in other ways. Our new minister has a fresh approach," asserts Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the Ukrainian Security Council. On Friday, Zelensky expressed his expectations from Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Defense, to present "a set of new mobilization policies" this week.
Danilov disclosed the army's plans to collaborate with the two largest Ukrainian recruitment firms to identify individuals with specific skills who are willing to assist the army without having to be at the frontlines.
Distressing round-ups in Ukraine
"Mobilization will become more adaptable, specific skill sets needed will be announced, and people will apply to specific vacancies. For instance, we require welders and mechanics," explains Danilov.
In the initial phases of the war, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians enlisted voluntarily in an outpouring of patriotism that stunned Russia and thwarted her early attacks. The numbers of volunteers are now dwindling.
Consequently, the army is increasingly resorting to mass mobilization with shocking footage of round-ups appearing on the internet. Corruption scandals are also on the rise, with officials reportedly taking bribes to issue fraudulent medical dismissals.
While many Ukrainians express willingness to enlist if summoned, several draft-age men, unwilling to be sent to the front, resort to staying hidden in their homes for weeks or even months to evade the "roving bands of mobilization officers".
Last summer, a scandal emerged in Odessa involving a "program" whereby men, unwilling to serve and willing to shell out $5000 cash, could procure a fake medical certificate indicating severe spinal conditions, thus skirting military service and even leaving the country.
Danilov acknowledges a recruitment issue but insists that "the extent of the problem is blown out of proportion by Russian propaganda". He stated, "Russia tries to amplify this issue, claiming we have a dearth of soldiers and mobilization issues. Life is full of problems; let's not magnify them."
