Zelensky says change needed in Ukraine’s mobilisation system

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FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy awards a Ukrainian serviceman at a position in the town of Kupiansk, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine November 30, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) visiting Kupyansk in Ukraine's north-east in November to meet servicemen and present awards.

PHOTO: REUTERS

KYIV President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec 1 that changes were needed to improve Ukraine’s system of mobilisation as part of an overall strategy to improve the country’s military position in its 21-month-old war against Russian invasion.

The issue of altering and fine-tuning the process of mobilisation and recruitment to improve the prospects of Ukraine’s fighting force has been under public discussion for some time.

In his nightly video address, Mr Zelensky said a meeting of the military command had discussed scenarios to produce “concrete results” for 2024 in conditions of war.

“In particular, this concerns the issue of mobilisation. Everyone in Ukraine understands that changes are needed in this domain,” he said.

“This is not simply a question of numbers, of who can be mobilised.

“It’s a question of a timeframe for each person who is now in the military, for demobilisation and for those who will join the military. And it’s about conditions.”

Mr Zelensky said the issues had to be examined by commanders and the Defence Ministry for submission to the command.

“There were several proposals today and I am awaiting comprehensive solutions,” he said. REUTERS

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