In the context of the ongoing war and significant strain on resources, the issue of mobilizing women to the Armed Forces of Ukraine is causing mixed reviews. Reserve Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military expert Oleg Zhdanov expressed his thoughts on this topic in an interview for the publication Focus . In his opinion, the decision on mobilization measures, in particular the involvement of women, should be carefully substantiated and based on clear calculations of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and not on individual appeals.
Zhdanov emphasized that the only structure that has the right to determine the real needs of the army in human resources is the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. “Only the General Staff can calculate the needs for today, for now, or for six months, a year, when planning combat operations,” he noted, drawing attention to the inconsistency of some proposals regarding the mobilization of women.
The expert also pointed to the political aspect of labor mobilization, which the Cabinet of Ministers can propose for approval at the level of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Labor mobilization is usually introduced in emergency situations, such as during martial law. However, Zhdanov noted that today Ukraine lacks effective planning of mobilization measures and preparation of the economy for prolonged military operations.
Zhdanov criticized the lack of a systematic approach in public administration. He noted that Ukraine often reacts to problems after they arise, instead of anticipating them in advance. “We act purely on the situation, trying to put out the fire as it arises,” he said, emphasizing the need to create longer-term plans.
The discussion of women's mobilization in Ukraine also has other perspectives. In particular, lawyer Yevheniya Zakrevska stated that the mandatory mobilization of women is relevant, noting that the honest choice of a citizen is to resist the aggressor. Lawyer Tetyana Savchenko reminded that the mobilization of women currently takes place only on a voluntary basis.
