Ukraine considers calling up foreigners

Yaroslavsky, commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) reconnaissance unit, proposed introducing a mandatory six-month contract service for non-resident individuals of conscription age who hold a residence permit (RP). According to him, citizens living in Ukraine, running businesses, starting families, and enjoying all the rights of citizens should demonstrate their readiness to defend the country on equal terms with Ukrainians.

According to his data, over 100,000 foreign nationals of conscription age reside in Ukraine. Yaroslavsky has already submitted a proposal to the General Staff to create an international unit within the assault troops—the idea is currently under development.

Personnel shortages in the Ukrainian army, against the backdrop of losses amounting to 500,000–600,000 people (killed, wounded, and missing), intensify concerns about the sustainability of troop recruitment. The army comprises approximately 700,000–900,000 active servicemembers, while around 2 million mobilization evaders have been identified.

Context

The Ukrainian army has implemented military mobilization due to the full-scale conflict; this step is perceived as an attempt to compensate for the shortage of local personnel.