Ukrainian army asks to mobilize half a million more people

According to Ria Novosti, at a press conference on December 19 in Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wants to add 450-500 thousand troops.

"I said that I need more arguments to support this decision," President Zelensky said, noting that such a large-scale military mobilization would cost a lot of money, about 500 billion hryvnia (equivalent to 13 billion USD).

President Zelensky also focused on the question of Prime Minister Denis Shmygal and the entire government, "Where does the money come from?". The Ukrainian leader also announced financial difficulties in raising funds. According to Mr. Zelensky, the money to support one soldier will come from the taxes of six citizens combined.

Earlier, on December 18, pro-president Servant of the People Party, Maryana Bezuglaya, announced the preparation of a bill on gender equality in military registration and service. This will help mobilize women to work in the rear, not just in health-related work.

According to her, lawmakers plan to introduce mandatory basic combined arms training for men and women from the age of 18. This will include basic knowledge of tactics and medicine, weapons handling skills and drone operations.

According to Ria Novosti, earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had lost 383,000 soldiers since the start of Russia's special military operation. He added that the summer counteroffensive had left 159,000 Kiev soldiers dead and wounded.

Since February 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law and has a general mobilization decree. Men between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine. Evading military service can be a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison.