Ukraine's Mobilization Drive: Public Skepticism and Draft Challenges

As Ukraine ramps up its military mobilisation to replenish troop numbers against Russia, public enthusiasm wanes. Despite increased conscription rates, many men seek exemptions. President Zelenskiy has lowered the draft age and overhauled the mobilisation process, but public misgivings and corruption reports continue to hamper efforts.

Seeing the military patrol handing out call-up papers on the outskirts of Kyiv, one man slipped into a nearby store. Another refused to even stop for the officers. Others, however, quietly obliged.

As Ukraine struggles to bolster its troop numbers more than 28 months into Russia's invasion, waning public enthusiasm poses a significant challenge. According to Fantomas, a draft officer, many men in the queues at draft offices are seeking exemptions rather than willing to fight. Despite lowered draft age and new mobilisation initiatives signed by President Zelenskiy, the public remains skeptical about wartime service.

Enhanced Western aid has not made the fight easier for Ukrainian troops, many of whom are desperate for demobilization. Reports of draft corruption and social media backlash have also soured public sentiment, although some officials assert that the overall recruitment drive is progressing positively.

(With inputs from agencies.)