Main points
- Ukraine is preparing reforms in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. There are thoughts circulating on social media that they could lower the mobilization age and cancel travel permits for men aged 18-22.
- Deputy Head of the OP, Brigadier General Pavlo Palisa, said whether this is true.
Palisa answered whether the mobilization age will be lowered in the near future / Photo Getty Images
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is preparing a comprehensive reform of the Defense Forces. Against this backdrop, there have been suggestions that Ukraine may lower the mobilization age and restrict travel abroad for men aged 18-22.
The Office of the President honestly answered what to expect next. Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Brigadier General Pavlo Palisa answered this question to Channel 24 .
Will the mobilization age be lowered?
According to the military, the issue of lowering the mobilization age is not currently being considered. Also, no one is going to restrict travel abroad for 18-22 year old men in the near future.
At this point, the issue of lowering the mobilization age and restrictions for the 18-22 year old category you mentioned regarding travel abroad is not being considered under the current circumstances,
– Palisa noted.
He admitted that under certain circumstances these decisions could be considered. But this is currently out of the question.
Everything will depend on the situation on the front, of course. But at the moment the issue is not being considered. It is not even raised in terms of assessment and risks,
– emphasized Palisa.
Pay attention! Member of the parliamentary committee on national security Fedir Venislavsky reported in February that about 30 thousand people are being recruited in Ukraine every month as part of mobilization. He told how many people join the army through recruitment.
Are they planning to recruit foreigners into the army?
Advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine on technological areas of defense Serhiy Beskrestnov “Flash” reported that Ukraine plans to recruit more foreigners to the army. There is a need to create a full-fledged network of recruitment points abroad for effective work. It is important that we are not talking about mercenaries. Foreigners should be able to officially sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Representative of the International Legion of the Defense Forces of the Ministry of Defense Volodymyr Kaminsky noted that currently foreigners from more than 50 countries of the world serve in the ranks of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Among them are Americans, British, and representatives of virtually all European countries. The International Legion of the Defense Forces of the Ministry of Defense itself is about 70% formed by foreigners.
In addition, Pavlo Palisa noted that Ukraine is working on creating a model that will allow for the effective recruitment of volunteers into the army. There is a working group that is already dealing with this issue. It is important that a foreigner's path to the Defense Forces is fast, comfortable, transparent and understandable for both sides.