As of late April 2026, Ukraine is navigating a complex mobilization crisis, despite having a potential reserve of approximately 1.6 million citizens who have not yet served in the armed forces. This critical assessment was shared by Military Ombudsman Olga Reshetilova in an exclusive interview with Ukrainska Pravda, published on Monday, April 27.
According to the ombudsman, the state has reached a tipping point regarding military recruitment. “We are already at the point where we have a crisis in the issue of mobilization. It is happening, and every month a certain number of recruits arrive in the army. This function is performed by the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC) and the police, which have recently become heavily involved,” Reshetilova explained.
Data calculated by the Ministry of Defense indicates that 1.6 million people form the demographic pool currently eligible to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces. The integration of these individuals is not merely a numbers game; it is an urgent operational necessity. Reshetilova emphasized that processing this reserve would finally allow for systemic troop rotation. When asked for clarification, she confirmed that this also directly implies the possibility of demobilization for combat-weary soldiers who have been serving continuously on the front lines.
However, the primary obstacle remains the flawed communication strategy between the state and civil society regarding defense needs, compounded by a severe imbalance in the information space. The ombudsman pointed out a harsh societal reality: “We talk a lot about the responsibility of the state and too little about the responsibility of that part of society that evades service, resists the military, and has somewhat forgotten that Ukraine has been in a state of war for 12 years.”
To bridge this divide, experts and officials advocate for a new social contract based on predictability. Reshetilova argues that establishing clear, legally binding terms of service is essential. “Certainty will encourage people to go and serve. We need to say that we have done the work on our mistakes and are offering citizens to join for a strict period of 2 to 3 years. In my opinion, this would be fair,” she stated.
Public trust has also been eroded by internal systemic issues. Previously, the military ombudsman revealed shocking cases where entire units pretended to be deployed at the front line while actually remaining safely in the rear. In these fraudulent schemes, military personnel allegedly surrendered their combat pay to commanding officers. Such scandals severely undermine the legitimacy of the mobilization drive and demand harsh legal repercussions.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Defense has developed a comprehensive draft law aimed at fundamentally overhauling the mobilization process. The upcoming reform, which includes the establishment of a modern “Office of Conscription,” is designed to eliminate corruption, streamline recruitment, and restore public faith. The official presentation of this vital reform package is expected within the next month, potentially marking a turning point in Ukraine’s defense strategy.