Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Jan. 14 that Ukraine's troop mobilisation system needs far-reaching reform amid the war with Russia. He noted decisions have been taken to distribute personnel more fairly among combat brigades after meeting Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Zelenskiy stressed that broader changes are required to strengthen defence capabilities while protecting economic activity.
Zelenskiy Calls for Sweeping Changes to Ukraine's Mobilisation System
FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy waits to welcome Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 4, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo
KYIV, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Ukraine's system for mobilising troops in the war with Russia requires "much broader changes" to better serve both the armed forces and the national economy.
Speaking after a meeting with newly appointed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Zelenskiy said steps had already been taken "to ensure a fairer distribution of personnel across combat brigades." He added that wider reforms to the mobilisation process are needed to "guarantee more opportunities both for Ukraine's Defence and Security Forces and for economic processes in our state."
Why It Matters
Zelenskiy's comments signal a push to adjust how manpower is allocated amid ongoing military operations, while seeking to minimise disruption to the domestic economy. Reforms to mobilisation procedures could affect recruitment, unit readiness and labour markets if implemented.
"Decisions have already been made to ensure a fairer distribution of personnel across combat brigades,"
Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Hugh Lawson
Help us improve.
