Source: President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Reuters
Direct quote from the head of state: "Combat brigades, experienced ones, along with the Ministry of Defense ... are working on a contract option for young people aged 18 to 24. This is for those who want to join, it's not mobilization."
Details: Zelensky explained that this will be a "special contract" lasting for 1 year, which will include "many benefits."
"There are many perks: there is monetary support – it is very high, and the possibility of free education and a home loan. So, for a young person, there is such a package," he said.
"We will announce the details in the near future, in the coming days," the president assured.
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Background:
- U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has repeatedly stated that Ukraine should strengthen mobilization.
- On January 14, Sullivan mentioned that the shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian army remains a pressing issue, despite substantial military assistance from the West.
- On January 12, future national security advisor to Donald Trump, Congressman Mike Waltz, argued that Ukraine should lower the mobilization age to attract hundreds of thousands of new troops and stabilize the front line.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on these statements from Western officials, stated that the primary concern for the Ukrainian army is armaments and equipment. The head of state clarified that currently "more than a hundred brigades are on the battlefield, and each of these brigades needs to be equipped with personnel and equipment on a daily basis."