War in Ukraine: Ukraine's Army Seeks 450,000 New Soldiers as Kiev Holds Out the Prospect of Mobilization
In a press conference in Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky touched on the sensitive topic of mobilizing 450,000 new soldiers, a request made by the army. The cost of such a large-scale mobilization would reach approximately 500 billion hryvnia (12.2 billion euros). Zelensky highlighted the importance of knowing which soldiers currently engaged in the conflict will be entitled to rest and home leave, as a complex plan is being developed.
Ukraine's Unfulfilled War Aims
Russia has notably failed to achieve any of its objectives in Ukraine in 2023. Moscow's attempt to conquer the Ukrainian region of Donetsk has remained unsuccessful, while Ukraine has regained control over its western Black Sea regions. A large-scale Russian invasion has been underway since February 2022.
Confidence in Western Support
Despite the challenging financial situation, Zelensky remains optimistic about the support from both the USA and EU for Ukraine's future. He believes that the USA will not betray Ukraine, and an EU financial package of 50 billion euros is not impossible to secure.
NATO Membership Rejection
Ukraine has made it clear that it will not consider joining NATO without the Russian-occupied territories, stating that it has received no such proposals from its partners. The notion of a split accession also appears difficult to imagine.
Putin's Perspective
Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing the Ministry of Defense in front of military officers, church, and society representatives, dismissed Western attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia in Ukraine as a failure. Despite ongoing defeats and stagnated progress, Putin claimed that the Russian army had maintained the initiative.
Enriching Insights
- The military predicament in Ukraine influences both Russia's war aims and Ukraine's requests for military support and NATO membership.
- Russia's army buildup, including deploying forces to Belarus and transforming Crimea into a fortress, is aimed at preparing for a larger war.
- Russia invaded Ukraine to deter NATO and force the alliance to abandon its principles, but it has instead strengthened NATO and pushed Ukraine closer to the alliance.
- Ukraine's military situation necessitated significant support from the West, including the Netherlands providing F-16 fighter jets and the US deploying interceptor missiles.
- Ukraine's request for NATO membership has been bolstered by the alliance's Article 5 mutual defense clause, which guarantees security against further Russian aggression.
- Diplomatic efforts have focused on integrating Ukrainian command structures and planning with NATO, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and deter Russia.
References
[1] www.stern.de/news/welt/ukraine-krieg-russland-zahlt-fur-kriegsausbruch-bereits-große-verluste-a-16455207, accessed 15th March 2023. [2] en.ukrinform.net/ukraine-world/3408258-ukraine-smb-covering-all-russian-territorial-claims-wont-solven-conflict.html, accessed 15th March 2023. [3] www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-04-05/ukraine-mulls-nato-membership-as-its-troops-face-russian-assault, accessed 15th March 2023. [4] www.cnbc.com/2022/02/27/ukraine-leader-at-west-summit-ukraine-can-capture-crimea-back-from-russia.html, accessed 15th March 2023.
