Inside Ukraine’s covert Center 73, where clandestine missions shape the war behind the frontline
Associated PressJan 03
Ukraine: Government Introduces Bill to Mobilize 500K New Troops
Image copyright: Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine [via Getty Images]
The Facts
Following remarks from Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier in the month, in which he stated that the military will need to mobilize an additional 450–500K troops next year, Ukraine's government has this week submitted a draft law to achieve the aim.
The proposed law — bill 10378 — makes widespread changes to mobilization eligibility, including lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25. It also includes measures to send electronic summonses and to strenghten restrictions on those who try to avoid service. The government's website crashed, becoming temporarily unavailable, as a result of so many Ukrainians attempting to access the proposals.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These are sensitive proposals which effect the lives of nearly every Ukrainian. It is only right that they are openly discussed in public so that everyone can understand the motivations behind the decision making. These are necessary changes to put Ukraine in a stronger position to win the war in the coming year.
Establishment-critical narrative
The West's collective failure in seeking to expand NATO eastwards to Russia's borders started this war, which has resulted in Ukraine losing vast swaths of territory, as well as untold numbers of men and women. Rather than continue prolonging this devastation, Ukraine needs to push for peace.