Zelenskyy's Press Conference: A Different Approach to Putin's Event
In a stark contrast to Putin's PR event last week, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's annual press conference was anything but shy when it came to sensitive topics. Instead of sidestepping the much-discussed topic of soldier mobilization, Zelenskyy addressed it head-on, acknowledging its complexity while expressing his need for more convincing reasons to mobilize over 450,000 additional troops.
A Complicated Situation
The army commander-in-chief, Valery Salushny, had suggested the need for such a large mobilization force to carry out new offensive operations. However, Zelenskyy insisted on seeking more solid reasons before moving forward. This stance led to a stir in Ukrainian public discourse concerning Zelenskyy's relationship with Salushny.
Denying Personal Conflicts
When asked about any personal friction between them, Zelenskyy clarified that while he maintained a working relationship with Salushnyj, his personal relationships were limited to his family. He also refuted any speculation about their relationship, addressing the general staff's silence on demobilization in their current drafts. Zelenskyy emphasized the essential aspect of having a well-defined demobilization process if another large-scale mobilization were to take place.
Economic Implications
Speaking on the financial implications of mobilizing such a massive number of soldiers, Zelenskyy drew attention to the burden of shouldering salaries for the additional troops. He pointed out that a soldier's salary equated to the tax contributions of six civilians. Therefore, mobilizing over 450,000 new soldiers would require the addition of more than 3 million new taxpayers, which seems an unattainable figure.
Avoiding the Mobilization of Women
In a firm rejection, Zelenskyy categorically ruled out the mobilization of women, highlighting the financial and social repercussions associated with such a measure. He also shared his thoughts on lowering the conscription age for frontline duty from 27 to 25, admitting that he was open to the idea but only after a solid justification.
Awaiting the 2024 Plan
When asked about potential plans for 2024, Zelenskyy was unwilling to divulge any information to avoid compromising their strategies. He also acknowledged the challenges encountered in the south due to constant speculation about the war objectives.
A Diplomatic Victory for Russia?
Zelenskyy further addressed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, noting that the war in the Middle East proved a diplomatic victory for Russia. However, he shared his concerns about the prioritization of aid to Ukraine, as some partners advocated for Ukraine first while others considered it differently.
The Attention Continues
Following Zelenskyy's recent trips and press conference, attention for Ukraine has grown. As speculation regarding tensions between Zelenskyy and Salushny persists, Zelenskyy's cautious optimism and determination to protect Ukraine's interests were evident in his statements.
- According to enrichment data, the ongoing conflict has led to concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict and the possibility of terrorism through the delivery of weapons to Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy has expressed his support for maintaining a strong military presence in response to Russian aggression, while acknowledging the need for improvements in the mobilization system.
- Extensions of martial law and general mobilization are seen as critical strategies to maintain Ukraine's military strength in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
- A rotational system for the military is proposed to address the challenges associated with demobilization and ensure the sustainability of Ukraine's defense efforts.
