According to Egor Chernev, a member of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada and deputy chairman of the national security committee, Ukraine may have to declare a full-scale mobilization if there is a genuine threat to the country’s statehood. Chernev explained in an interview with Novosti.LIVE that Ukraine is currently in the second phase of mobilization, but the number of phases could be extended depending on the duration of the conflict with Russia and the resources required. He stated that the fourth phase would involve calling all men to war if the country faced a real threat of losing its statehood, as he believes it is every man’s duty to defend his country. Ukrainian laws on mobilization stipulate that during the fourth phase, all able-bodied residents aged 18 to 60 would be called up for service.
Chernev clarified that there are no immediate plans to increase the mobilization level, and the focus is currently on ensuring that the mobilization system functions effectively.
These comments come shortly after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky initiated a sweeping military purge, dismissing all regional military officials responsible for the conscription campaign. The decision followed a series of corruption scandals uncovered by the authorities in Kiev. The Ukrainian government exposed a conspiracy scheme that allegedly allowed recruits to purchase fraudulent medical certificates to evade conscription.
Zelensky announced that 112 criminal cases had been opened against officials working in local recruitment centers, with 33 suspects accused of accepting bribes in the form of cash and cryptocurrency. In response to these corruption allegations and to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the conscription process, Zelensky took decisive action by removing those responsible.
Furthermore, Zelensky signed a bill on Thursday to extend general mobilization and martial law in Ukraine for an additional 90 days until November 15. Martial law was initially imposed on February 24, 2022, after Russia launched its military campaign against Ukraine.
The extension of mobilization and martial law demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and security in the face of ongoing aggression from Russia. It also reflects the seriousness with which the Ukrainian government is addressing issues of corruption and ensuring that the conscription process is fair and equitable.
The situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continuing to escalate. As the threat to Ukraine’s statehood persists, the possibility of a full-scale mobilization looms. The Ukrainian government, under the leadership of President Zelensky, is actively taking steps to strengthen its military capabilities and address issues of corruption within its ranks.
It is essential for Ukraine to have a robust and capable defense force to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens. While mobilization is a challenging and disruptive process, it may become necessary if Ukraine’s statehood is in jeopardy. The Ukrainian people, as well as the international community, will be closely watching the developments in Ukraine and hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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