In Ukraine's search for more soldiers, new Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov plans to recruit men living abroad for military service next year.
Ukrainians of military age between 25 and 60 in Austria and other countries should be invited to report to armed forces recruitment centers. Umjerow announced this in an interview with “Bild”, Welt TV and “Politico”.
The minister spoke of an invitation. However, he made it clear that there would be sanctions if anyone did not comply with the request. “We are still discussing what will happen if they don’t come voluntarily,” he said.
Mobilization “sensitive issue”
The Ukrainian military wants to mobilize an additional 450,000 to 500,000 soldiers to repel the Russian invasion. However, the conditions of the financial and political framework have not yet been clarified. President Volodymyr Zelensky classified the mobilization as a “delicate issue”.
Umjerov said justice is important. In the future, it must be clear to affected people in advance how they will be trained and equipped, where and when they will serve, and when they will be released. Despite the ban, many Ukrainian men fled abroad to avoid possible conscription.