Mikhail Fedorov calls for urgent Ukrainian mobilization reform

Former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov has identified the issue of unauthorized absences (AWOL) as the primary priority for mobilization reform in Ukraine. He reported that over 200,000 military personnel are currently registered as AWOL, describing the situation as one of the country's most serious personnel challenges.

Fedorov is advocating for a fundamental shift in how the state approaches mobilization. His proposed reforms include transitioning away from punitive measures toward a system that improves military training, enhances communication with citizens, and allows recruits to choose the specific units in which they serve.

Additionally, Fedorov noted that a significant number of citizens are currently being pursued for violating mobilization rules, which consumes substantial state resources. He suggested that a more transparent and predictable system would help reduce evasion rates while allowing those not subject to mobilization to continue contributing to the national economy.