It is uncertain how many of these casualties were killed or wounded. But Lutsenko insists that it is very important for Ukraine's leaders to be transparent about the country's dire situation, including how the country experiences approximately 30,000 casualties a month.
Such transparency, he claims, will help urge Ukrainians to join the fight against Moscow as it lets people know that the country's very existence is at stake in this conflict.
"[Ukrainians] must know how many have died, and then all debates about the mobilization will be settled," said Lutsenko. This declaration comes as Kyiv works to address draft dodging and corruption hindering Ukraine's conscription and mobilization efforts.
Along with transparency, Lutsenko is recommending the introduction of new legislation and propaganda campaigns highlighting the gravity of Ukraine's situation. A public acknowledgment of the country's heavy losses, similar to what occurred in February 2022, will lead to large lines at military recruitment offices. Additionally, Lutsenko proposes deploying members of the Ukrainian elite to the frontline, stating that "everyone should fight for Ukraine."
"They should say how many Ukrainians have died. I know that this news will be received badly," said Lutsenko. "But there is no other way to bring out of the comfort zone millions of those who hide behind bogus stories that 'everyone can serve except me.'"
Ukraine looking to mobilize half a million new troops
Because of these steep losses, the Armed Forces of Ukraine is proposing the mobilization of another 450,000 to 500,000 soldiers. This comes as Kyiv looks to renew its military following a large but mostly unsuccessful counteroffensive that failed to provide Ukraine with any significant military gains. (Related: Hungarian security analyst: Russia-Ukraine war will not end in 2024.)
To this end, the Ukrainian parliament is currently reviewing proposed changes to the rules on army mobilization. If passed, these rules would allow Kyiv to call up more people and tighten sanctions against evading conscription.
Under the current version of the proposed changes, people who refuse to answer mobilization summons would be placed on a registry and face restrictions on conducting business involving property, be banned from traveling overseas and automatically be denied loans. These draft dodgers could also be suspended from being eligible for state benefits and services and be restricted from using their cars and obtaining or renewing driver's licenses.
A different draft bill submitted to the parliament simultaneously proposes substantially increasing fines for failing to register at draft offices and for flouting mobilization rules and other legislation regarding military duty. It also proposes introducing three- to five-year jail terms for anyone who refuses a military medical examination.
Another part of the proposal would allow draft offices to issue call-ups for service online through email or other electronic platforms, possibly including social media or messaging services. Such a step, the government believes, would make it harder for people to evade draft officers who currently issue call-up papers to civilians in the street or send them to people's last known home addresses.
The bill also proposes tracking Ukrainian men who are abroad and requiring them to have up-to-date military registration, something that is currently obtained at draft offices. Consular services such as passport issuers would be used to inform citizens of their requirement to present military registration documents.
Furthermore, the proposal would allow soldiers who have served continuously for 36 months during martial law to be discharged. This step is seen as necessary for families of soldiers who have been fighting almost nonstop since the beginning of the conflict and are exhausted.
There is currently no time limit on wartime military service. Zelensky has previously stated that demobilization will only be possible if there is no escalation on the battlefield and if Ukraine has enough reserve troops ready by 2025 to replace those expected to come off the frontlines.
Finally, the proposal is also considering lowering the age people can be drafted for combat duty from 27 down to 25. For national security purposes, Kyiv is refusing to publish how many more men would allow the country to call up to fight.
Watch this short clip from the "Freedom Report" as Kevin J. Johnston discusses Zelensky's proposal to conscript men over the age of 40.
This video is from the Kevin J. Johnston channel on Brighteon.com.
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