The Ukrainian government has announced that male citizens between the ages of 25 and 60 who are living abroad will be expected to report for military service. The Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, described this as an invitation, but also suggested that there would be sanctions against those who did not comply. This move comes as Ukraine faces the need for an additional 450,000-500,000 soldiers amidst a stalled counter-offensive and setbacks in international aid.
According to President Zelensky, achieving the required number of soldiers has become a sensitive issue for the country. Out of desperation, the government has turned to the Ukrainian diaspora for support, as well as urging those who have left the country in recent years to return and join the military. It is estimated that around 650,000 Ukrainian men of military age have left for the EU alone since Russia’s invasion, with nearly 200,000 in Germany.
The recruitment drive has been presented by the Defence Minister as an honour rather than a punishment. However, it remains unclear what actions will be taken if individuals do not come voluntarily. Currently, there are no recruitment centers outside of Ukraine, and the government lacks the means to force anyone to attend them. The priority now is to inform mobilized men about the training and equipment they will receive, as well as when and where they will serve and be discharged.
President Zelensky revealed during a news conference that there are currently 500,000 Ukrainian troops at the front. However, issues with rotation and holidays have been acknowledged, with conscripts and volunteers only allowed 10 days of leave per year. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there are 617,000 Russian troops involved in what he calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine. Despite these claims, the exact number of troops cannot be independently verified by the media.
The announcement of the recruitment of male citizens living abroad is likely to have significant impacts both politically and socially. On one hand, there may be a wave of patriotism and solidarity among the Ukrainian diaspora, leading to an influx of volunteers. This could strengthen the morale and determination of the armed forces. On the other hand, there could also be resistance and hesitation from those who have built new lives in foreign countries, away from the conflict and the hardships of war. The imposition of sanctions against non-compliant individuals may also strain diplomatic relationships with other nations.
From a financial perspective, Ukraine’s reliance on international aid has been called into question as setbacks in provisions of aid have occurred. With US Republicans blocking a $61 billion military package and Hungary stopping an EU financial deal worth €50 billion, Ukraine may face financial challenges in sustaining its military operations. The consequences of these disruptions could negatively impact the overall effectiveness of Ukraine’s military efforts.
It is crucial to closely monitor the developments surrounding this recruitment drive and the response from Ukrainian citizens living abroad. Understanding the various motivations and attitudes towards joining the army will help in predicting potential outcomes and addressing any concerns or backlash. Additionally, the international community should pay attention to the political and diplomatic repercussions of these measures, as they may have far-reaching effects on Ukraine’s relationships with other countries and international perceptions of the ongoing conflict.
