Ukraine Plans to Mobilize 160,000 More TroopsAmidst Eastern Front Pressures
Kiev, Ukraine – The UkrainianNational Security and Defense Council (NSDC) announced plans to mobilize an additional 160,000 troops, a move aimed at bolstering the country’smilitary capabilities amidst intense fighting in the eastern Donbas region. This decision comes as Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure from Russian advances and ongoing losses.
The announcement was made byNSDC Secretary Oleksiy Litvinenko during a session of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) on October 29th. The parliament subsequently approved a presidential decree extending the state of martial law and general mobilization for another 90days.
This latest mobilization effort follows a new mobilization law passed in April, which streamlined the process of identifying eligible recruits and introduced stricter penalties for draft evasion. According to Litvinenko, the additional 160,000 troops will bring the Ukrainian armed forces’ personnel strength to 85% of its target.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022, over 1 million Ukrainian citizens have been conscripted into the armed forces. A Ukrainian security source told Agence France-Presse that the mobilization process isexpected to be completed within three months.
The decision to mobilize additional troops reflects the escalating pressure on the Ukrainian military, particularly in the Donbas region, where Russian forces have been making gradual but steady gains. Ukrainian officials have acknowledged the difficulties in the region, citing manpower shortages as a contributing factor.
Ukrainian military analystSerhiy Heyday expressed concerns that the mobilization could lead to a decline in the quality of troops deployed to the front lines. He highlighted the decreasing number of volunteers joining the Ukrainian armed forces, with monthly recruitment numbers dropping from approximately 35,000 to 20,000.
Western media reportshave also raised concerns about the training and preparedness of newly mobilized Ukrainian soldiers. Some reports suggest that many recruits are sent to the front lines with inadequate training, leading to concerns about their effectiveness in combat.
The mobilization plan underscores the ongoing human cost of the conflict, with both sides experiencing significant casualties. The decision to mobilize additionaltroops is a testament to the Ukrainian government’s determination to resist the Russian invasion, but it also raises concerns about the potential impact on the country’s human resources and the long-term implications for the conflict.
References:
- Ukraine to Mobilize 160,000 More Troops
- Ukraine to Mobilize 160,000 More Troops as War Enters Second Year
- Ukraine’s New Mobilization Law Aims to Strengthen Military
Note: This article is based on the provided information and aims to present a balanced and informative account of the situation. It is important to consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing conflict.
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