Ukraine’s Mobilization: The Majority Respond Consciously, Says Shmyhal
In the current realities of the armed conflict in Ukraine, the issue of mobilization and involving citizens into military formations remains one of the most complex and controversial topics.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal stated in a recent interview that approximately 90% of Ukrainians respond consciously and voluntarily when they receive mobilization orders.
According to him, cases of violence or coercion account for only about 5-10%, often sensationalized in media, which negatively impacts the country's image.
The minister emphasized that most citizens, after receiving their draft notices, go to the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TROSC), register, and then move to training centers for preparation.
It is crucial to understand that mobilization is mainly voluntary, and no forceful or coercive measures are used.
In response to questions about the reputation issues and footage showing the use of force during mobilization, Shmyhal noted that Ukraine reflects its society, where both businessmen and rural residents serve in the army.
He also mentioned that he does not have specific research on the level of aggression or provocations, relying solely on intuition.
The minister highlighted that circulating videos on social media depicting violence during mobilization are often artificially amplified to undermine confidence in state institutions.
Despite this, Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the defenders who respond responsibly and consciously to mobilization challenges.
The report also covers recent incidents, such as in Mykolaiv, where a man jumped from a bridge while fleeing police, and in Odessa, where a Kharkiv doctor was injured during a miscommunication, indicating the need for improvements in mobilization procedures and safety guarantees for citizens.