2 million Ukrainians evading mobilization, another 200,000 soldiers AWOL, new defense minister says
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- Ukraine's new Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed that two million Ukrainians are wanted for evading mobilization, with an additional 200,000 soldiers absent without official leave (AWOL).
- Fedorov emphasized the need for army reforms, including analyzing commanders' effectiveness rather than relying on rank, to modernize the military and improve frontline infrastructure.
- The report highlights a critical manpower shortage and increasing AWOL cases amid nearly four years of continuous conflict, with desertion and mobilization evasion punishable by imprisonment under wartime laws.
- Fedorov identified key issues such as excessive bureaucracy, outdated Soviet-style command structures, and inadequate supply of weapons and resources as obstacles preventing soldiers from performing optimally.
