The Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umyerov gave interview with "Suspilno", where he talked about why complete demobilization is not possible during the war, the introduction of electronic invitations to the TCC, the support of the West and the purchase by the state of FPV drones for the army
According to the minister, the mobilization processes in the country were "demonized". "Unfortunately, we believe that serving the Motherland is a punishment. These worldview things need to be changed: both the approaches to them and the formats," Umyerov said. According to him, the authorities are preparing "responsibility matrix, or mobilization matrix", which must be understood by society.
About electronic invitations to the Military Committee
According to him, the Ministry of Defense is considering the possibility of notifying men about the need to appear at the TCC through an electronic notification.
"We analyzed various databases. Let's decide how to treat this data. Because he is conscripted, or a serviceman, or already a veteran? After registration, whether this category of men will be offered for military service at all or not. That is, it is a rather huge mechanism that must be discussed step by step." Umerov explained.
When it comes to the possible conscription of Ukrainian men living abroad, it is a matter of justice for all, "because it concerns our own country." According to him, there are categories of people that the Ministry of Defense considers for conscription — in particular, they are men aged 25 to 60 years.
"If we decide on the categories, we will send invitations to everyone," — Umerov explained.
At the same time, he noted that the Ministry of Defense has information on the number of Ukrainian men of military age who are currently abroad, and has already "consolidated all databases." Umerov also expressed confidence that some of these men will return to Ukraine.
"I think there are more people who want to serve their nation than those who want to avoid it. Secondly, it is my task to do everything possible and impossible within the legal framework to involve the necessary number of people in the defense of the country." emphasized the head of the defense department.
He specified that currently these people are simply called to pass the registration, after which they are offered various options within the framework of recruiting, where they can choose a specialty.
"The focus is not on how to punish a person, but how to provide opportunities so that all security issues are removed from the serviceman. This is our goal. Which categories of restrictions will be introduced are already collective decisions, and whether the Verkhovna Rada passes it or not will depend on the vote. ... We will develop the rules of the game, which will give clear answers for those who cannot, will not take part in defending their country," — Umerov concluded.
The word "demobilization" can be used already after the end of the war. Currently, solutions are being worked out that will allow active servicemen to rest or be partially released.
"We can use the word "demobilization" only after the war ends. As the enemy continues to fight, we have found solutions that will allow someone who has been in the perimeter for two years to understand what the rules will be for them to rest or be partially released. We are working on this legally, legislatively, and technically." - explained the minister.
Answering the question whether demobilization depends on the number of newly mobilized, Umerov answered that it is a question of justice for everyone. At the same time, there are already decisions on this and they will soon be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.
About the additional mobilization of 450-500 thousand people
The head of the defense department also commented on the words of President Volodymyr Zelenskyi about the request to mobilize 450-500 thousand people. Emphasizing that the country has 3,5 thousand kilometers of line that must be defended.
"There are stabilization actions, there are defensive actions, there is a counteroffensive. I won't go into details, but the top management just wanted to give an answer to the community. If the military says to the Cabinet of Ministers: "Please give us this number of people" - of course, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Rada ask what we will do with those who are already serving, and what will the people we want to mobilize do? That is why we started consultations and society will have answers to these questions in this draft law." Umerov explained.
About drones for the army
To the question whether it is a daunting task for the state to produce, purchase and supply 10 thousand FPV drones per day, he answered in the affirmative.
"I told my colleagues: if I am fired in 100 days, I will be able to answer to society that we have made the 2024 plan. And in this plan, there is a number for the entire nomenclature, including drones. According to the needs, we are now starting to purchase them, produce them, work with partners so that they also send them as international technical assistance. We can fulfill the entire amount that both the volunteers and the management voiced," — assessed Umerov.
About supporting the West
Commenting on the question of the delay in aid to Ukraine from the United States, he referred to the response of the military: "The situation is difficult, but under control." At the same time, the minister explained that slogans that the USA and the EU allegedly "refused" to support the Ukrainians were being promoted by the Russians.
"When talking about the USA, there are several issues that do not concern Ukraine. There is the internal issue of the wall on the border with Mexico that they are discussing. This is how it happens here in the Verkhovna Rada: if you don't have enough votes, you need to go to other factions and negotiate, but these factions also need to update something. Our last conversation with the Secretary of Defense of the USA - there is one hundred percent support on the issue of Ukraine, it will take place according to the procedure that they are currently discussing. He emphasized that support will continue - that's the main thing", - Umerov assured.
To successfully implement the strategy of defense production, Ukraine is looking for financing solutions and involves Western partners.
"In recent years, we have received enough weapons and military equipment to fight back and liberate almost 50% of the territory that was captured after February 24, to open the grain corridor", - noted the minister.
According to him, such results give signals to partners that the Ukrainian army is capable of recapturing its territories, and ammunition or equipment should continue to work for the advancement of the Defense Forces.
At the same time, Umerov noted that there are other conflicts in the world that take resources from Western industries, and countries are beginning to compete to buy ammunition.
"For this, we have developed a strategy for defense production in our country and launched programs for the defense-industrial complex to reduce the risk of supplying ammunition, missiles and other items." - explained the minister.
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