CNN: Ukrainian men face a choice: serve at the front or dodge?
World
Under Ukraine’s new mobilization law, which came into effect on May 18, Ukrainian men are now facing a choice: Comply and face the possibility of being sent to the frontlines, or try to evade and risk penalties and condemnation. This is reported by CNN.
Ukraine has made no secret of the urgent need to recruit more people. While the government doesn’t reveal the number of dead and wounded, estimates made by experts speak of hundreds of thousands of casualties on both sides of the conflict since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
This lack of personnel is putting immense pressure on those who are already serving.
“The war is still going on and mobilization is essential. People who have been fighting for two years are tired. Some are going crazy,” said Yaroslav Galas, who is currently serving with the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade.
“Soldiers need proper rest for several months. They need to heal, relax and forget. They need to spend the money they have earned with sweat and blood, to solve their economic and personal issues,” he told.
But the military clearly isn’t for everyone. CNN spoke to one man who is determined to avoid serving no matter what. He asked to remain anonymous because he is afraid of retribution.
“I think I’d be more useful making money and bringing dollars to the country than digging trenches or guarding military facilities,” he told.
He said he believes Ukraine doesn’t have enough weapons to militarily reclaim territory seized by Russia in the war. The only way forward, he said, is a political agreement that would lead to Ukraine regaining its land.
The man said that if he was to receive a draft notice, he would leave the country.
“I don’t want to leave; I know that things are not so beautiful and sunny in Europe. But if I had to choose between going to war or going abroad, I would choose abroad, I would pay a bribe. My life comes first. And I realize that there is a very high chance of being killed,” he said.
This lack of personnel is putting immense pressure on those who are already serving.
“The war is still going on and mobilization is essential. People who have been fighting for two years are tired. Some are going crazy,” said Yaroslav Galas, who is currently serving with the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade.
“Soldiers need proper rest for several months. They need to heal, relax and forget. They need to spend the money they have earned with sweat and blood, to solve their economic and personal issues,” he told.
But the military clearly isn’t for everyone. CNN spoke to one man who is determined to avoid serving no matter what. He asked to remain anonymous because he is afraid of retribution.
“I think I’d be more useful making money and bringing dollars to the country than digging trenches or guarding military facilities,” he told.
He said he believes Ukraine doesn’t have enough weapons to militarily reclaim territory seized by Russia in the war. The only way forward, he said, is a political agreement that would lead to Ukraine regaining its land.
The man said that if he was to receive a draft notice, he would leave the country.
“I don’t want to leave; I know that things are not so beautiful and sunny in Europe. But if I had to choose between going to war or going abroad, I would choose abroad, I would pay a bribe. My life comes first. And I realize that there is a very high chance of being killed,” he said.
Powered by Froala Editor