U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasised the need for Ukraine to make “difficult but necessary decisions” regarding further troop mobilisation. Speaking at a press briefing after a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Blinken stressed the importance of ensuring that newly mobilised personnel receive proper training and equipment, Radio Liberty reports .
“Even with money and ammunition, there must be people at the front to resist Russian aggression,” Blinken stated. He echoed earlier comments by White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who underscored that human resources on the frontlines are as crucial as weapons systems in determining Ukraine’s military success.
Mobilisation in Ukraine
According to LB.ua sources in the Ministry of Defence, mobilisation efforts improved 2.5 times following the adoption of a law in the spring of 2024. This law, which underwent extensive parliamentary review, has been central to increasing Ukraine’s capacity to replenish its armed forces.
Key developments in mobilisation legislation:
- Parliamentary review: Over 4,000 amendments were proposed to the draft law before it was finalised in March 2024.
- Demobilisation and rotation: Initially part of the legislation, these issues were removed and are expected to be addressed in a separate law.
- Conscription changes: The eligibility age was lowered from 27 to 25, and conscription was abolished.
- Automatic registration: On 3 December 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed a draft law in the first reading that would automatically register citizens for military service upon turning 17.
The focus on mobilisation reflects Ukraine’s need to strengthen its frontline capacity. Blinken highlighted that while international support in the form of funding, ammunition, and equipment remains vital, the availability of trained and well-equipped personnel will determine Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian aggression effectively.
This underscores the dual challenge facing Ukraine: maintaining international support and ensuring domestic readiness for a prolonged conflict.