What new Defense Minister Fedorov can do to solve conscription problem

We are talking about mobilization in a comprehensive manner — both mobilization measures, i.e., coercive ones, and recruitment efforts.

Because it is not enough, so to speak, to forcibly mobilize a person. We need quality and motivated fighters in the Ukrainian army. And this addition to mobilization is precisely what the recruitment system offers. And I hope that the minister will pay due attention to this issue in a comprehensive manner, when all bodies — not only state authorities but also local self-government — will be involved in measures not only to assist mobilization but also to create the appropriate infrastructure so that every Ukrainian can choose a [brigade] for themselves. Not to wait until they are mobilized, but to choose the right and proper place in the Ukrainian military for themselves. Then we will have fewer AWOL cases, and the units will be more effective.

I think that a somewhat tougher or, rather, more systematic campaign should be expected.

Society has a huge demand for fairness. And, of course, it is necessary to review, so to speak, both those who are reserved and all those who are formally considered wanted but in reality are people who walk freely because they paid a bribe somewhere or made some other arrangement.

That is, it is what society perceives as unfairness. And, obviously, when they see such a selective approach, then, of course, people feel outrage and sometimes take aggressive actions against TRC (Territorial Recruitment Center) patrols. There is also an opinion that if my son, husband, or father must serve, why should my neighbor walk around boasting that he bought his way out and is not being touched, while he is supposedly formally wanted.

So, it is necessary to review this entire system and ensure that the recruitment of quality personnel is not only the responsibility of the army but that the entire state, every government body, and local self-government are involved in informing, accounting, and properly engaging citizens in military service.

Moreover, this is not just about grabbing people on the streets but ensuring that it is a truly understandable system with notifications so that a person has time to prepare, has the alternative opportunity of recruitment to choose a unit, obtain the necessary documents, leave their job, and settle their household affairs, so to speak.

And then the mobilization process, the overall recruitment into the army, will cease to be so chaotic and sporadic and will become more understandable to people.

If we achieve greater understanding, clarity, and fairness in this process, then, of course, the social tension caused by the scale of mobilization that our country is experiencing will decrease. I think this will become one of the priority tasks for both the ministry and, of course, it must be assigned to the entire state vertical, including the Office of the President.