NOS News•
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Chiem Balduk
Foreign editor
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Chiem Balduk
Foreign editor
The Ukrainian army is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit new men. Not all men want to serve at the front, because of moral objections or because they want to dedicate themselves to the country in a different way. At least 26 Telegram groups that helped men escape mobilization have been banned by the Ukrainian security service.
A few hours after the Russian invasion last year, martial law was declared. Since then, men between the ages of 18 and 60 are no longer allowed to leave the country. The conscription applies to them, with exceptions for example for fathers of more than three children and specific occupational groups. Those who refuse mobilization will receive one fine or eventually a prison sentence.
Initially, there was no need to actively draft enlisted men, as many volunteered to join the army. The will to defend the country was great and the working conditions are also favourable. But after heavy losses in the early months of the war, the search for conscripts was more active, says Andri Novak, lawyer at Miller Law Firm Kyiv.
Recruitment was stepped up at the beginning of this year, explains the lawyer who provides mobilized men with legal support. “The death toll continues to rise, but in addition, many soldiers from the first hour are also ready for rest, due to mental or physical problems.” The supply of advanced Western weapons also plays a role. “This requires new people who can deal with it.”
In the streets of Kyiv, a poster campaign is trying to recruit new soldiers:
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US / Kysia Hekster
A poster reading “Joined Forces on the Attack” -
US / Kysia Hekster
‘Yes, I am a veteran and I will continue to defend’ -
US / Kysia Hekster
“What motivates me to fight at any cost? I fight for my home’
The regional recruitment offices actively look for new troops, for example by visiting conscripts. This means that some men no longer dare to leave their homes. The NOS spoke to several people who lead a retired life. They want to remain anonymous.
Telegram groups share where the recruiters are. That way I know if I can go outside.
The social pressure to serve the army is great. A man from Kherson doesn’t even go out for an errand anymore, because many soldiers are present on the street in the front city. “Talking about this doesn’t help my country,” another man replied when asked why he wanted to remain anonymous. “Russian propaganda will then run off with it.”
Mousetrap
“I believe I have the right to choose,” said Anatoli, a 28-year-old man who does not want to join the army. “I choose to work and pay taxes. For the army I am too weak and unfit, there I am only superfluous. I am not afraid to die – because the chance is every day – but to be useless and superfluous. are.”
His choice makes Anatoli feel like he is trapped. “My freedom has been taken away by the Russian invasion. I rarely go out, talk to few people and work at home.” The recruiters have already been to his house, but then his grandfather answered the door and he was supposedly not at home. “Via Telegram I stay informed whether I can go outside.”
It is also possible to escape compulsory military service by making use of one of the exception rules. Those who continue to study full-time will be granted a postponement of conscription. Conscripted men who have fled abroad cannot be forced to mobilize either. Local Ukrainian embassies can inform them about conscription, but cannot force them to return to Ukraine.
Military analyst Oleh Saakjan emphasizes that mobilization remains necessary. “Russia can deploy even more troops, or open a new front from Belarus or the Black Sea near Odesa. We must be prepared for anything. That is why the army needs hundreds of thousands of people.”
Abuses
Lawyer Novak emphasizes that recruitment usually follows the rules, but abuses also occur. “Sometimes someone is summoned who has an exceptional position without being aware of it” There are also known cases where someone is violently arrested by the recruitment staff.
Videos of it are eagerly shared by Russian channels, but according to the lawyer these are exceptions. “The recruiters are often very strict. They have to provide the state with a certain number of mobilized men and take that task seriously.”
A spokesman for the Ukrainian armed forces recently said that the mobilization is bound by legal frameworks. He emphasized that a summons does not necessarily equate to mobilization. “In most cases, they are called up to the recruitment offices because the personal data is incomplete. Moreover, it is only decided after a medical examination whether someone is suitable for military service.”
It doesn’t matter to Anatoli. He stays inside. “The military needs professionals. And I’m not.”
