Ukraine tightens mobilization rules as society's support falters
As Ukraine implements stricter mobilization laws effective May 18, officials warn of significant societal shifts, with mandatory re-examinations and expanded draft ages intensifying the national call to arms. Major Alexander Bonadrenko, a military command representative in Ukraine's Sumy region, notes a "large-scale rejection of the army" amidst escalating tensions.
Major Alexander Bonadrenko, a representative of the military command in the Sumy region in Ukraine, admitted that Kyiv is struggling with a large-scale rejection of the army. Bonadrenko told El Pais they are dealing with a large-scale social rejection of the armed forces.
Journalists accompanied the employees of the Regional Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC). This is our equivalent of a military enlistment office.
Reporters witnessed the handing out of military summons to men. El Pais reported that the TRC patrol met with mistrustful glances from citizens.
They warn each other about the TRC
The official representative of the TRC in Sumy claims that the most effective method is distributing summons to men at checkpoints on the roads. During home visits, people warn each other about the arrival of TRC employees on Telegram, and as a result, doors are opened only in two out of ten cases.
On average, the patrol issues about 15 summons a day. - Closing roads is the most effective because it's when the most, up to 50 summons to the army, are handed out - confirmed a senior officer of the group.
A new law is about to come into force
In Ukraine, the mobilization rules have been tightened, which will come into effect on May 18, 3:00 AM Eastern Time. Categories with limited fitness have been abolished. Currently, only two categories exist: "fit" and "unfit" for military service. Individuals previously found to have limited physical fitness must undergo further medical examination within nine months to receive a new category.
The age for mobilization eligibility was also lowered from 27 to 25 years old. At the same time, during wartime, there will be no possibility of mobilizing men aged 18 to 25 who have not served in the military. From May 18, all men aged from 18 to 60 are required to provide their data.
The innovations mean "the end of peaceful life," said Dmitry Lazutkin, a Ukrainian Ministry of Defense representative. According to him, it's time "to mobilize the entire country and all of society."
