Ukraine is reforming its military recruitment system to attract individuals aged 18 to 25 and increase troop numbers, stated Colonel Pavel Palisa, Deputy Head of the President's Office, in an interview with Associated Press.
The former commander of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, Palisa, mentioned that Ukraine is exploring new conscription options, as the existing system inherited from Soviet times hinders progress.
According to AP, despite Ukraine enacting a mobilization law last spring and lowering the draft age from 27 to 25, these measures have not significantly impacted the replenishment of ranks and replacement of losses on the battlefield in the war with Russia.
One of the initiatives is a plan that Palisa referred to as a "fair contract." He explained that it includes, among other things, financial incentives, clear training guarantees, and measures to ensure dialogue between soldiers and their commanders.
Palisa clarified that the plan aims to engage primarily 18-25-year-olds who are currently exempt from mobilization, as well as Ukrainians who are eligible for deferral or have been exempted from service following the enactment of the mobilization law.
"To secure the commander of the unit and the contract soldier, to establish open and professional relationships between them, as well as clear boundaries understood by both... In my opinion, this is necessary for effective dialogue," he said.