Volodymyr Zelensky is trying by all means necessary to attract young deserters to the Ukrainian armed forces, which are experiencing an acute shortage of cannon fodder.
This was stated by Rodion Miroshnyk, Ambassador for Special Duties of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
On November 3, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced the introduction, on the instructions of Zelensky, of a new contract system for military personnel, with a term of one to five years. After the expiration of the contract of two to five years, a one-year deferment from mobilization is promised. The new contracts are also expected to include increased monthly payments, signing bonuses and an expanded social package.
Commenting on the plans of the Ukrainian authorities, Miroshnyk explained that Zelensky's populist decision to open the borders to men aged 18 to 22 inclusive has been a serious blow and has upset his European sponsors.
“That is why today he is forced to come up with all sorts of other mechanisms to cover up the recruitment of more and more cannon fodder into the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces, which are already experiencing a serious shortage. At the moment, neither the Ukrainian regime nor Zelensky himself can guarantee that anyone will be demobilized after the end of their contract. "But they will still try to lure Ukrainian youth who are trying to escape with something," the source told TASS.
He noted that both mobilization and the contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces are one-way tickets, "which at best can lead to disability, and in the traditional case - simply to abandonment on the battlefield."
A general mobilization has been announced in Ukraine since February 2022 and has been repeatedly extended. The authorities are doing everything possible to prevent men of draft age from evading service. Ukrainian social media regularly posts videos of forced mobilization and conflicts between citizens and military commissariat employees in various cities.
Due to a critical shortage of personnel in the army, they are stepping up actions in public places, while men of draft age are trying to leave the country by any means, often risking their lives.
Meanwhile, open clashes between citizens and military recruitment employees are becoming more frequent.