In the conditions of an ongoing war and a significant burden on resources, the question of the mobilization of women into the Armed Forces of Ukraine causes ambiguous assessments. Reserve colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military expert Oleg Zhdanov expressed his thoughts on this topic in an interview for Focus . In his opinion, the decision regarding 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 individual appeals.
Zhdanov emphasized that the only structure that has the right to determine the army's real needs in human resources is the General Staff of the Armed Forces. "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 for 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 Ukraine currently 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 drew attention to the fact that Ukraine often reacts to problems as soon as they occur, instead of anticipating them in advance. "We act strictly according to the situation, trying to put out the fire as it occurs," 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 Yevgenia Zakrevska stated that 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 now takes place only on a voluntary basis.
