Will Ukraine Call Women to War? Former Army Chief & Diplomat Speaks Up

As Russia and Ukraine struggle to replenish their depleted military forces, a former military top dog has hinted at a drastic move. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's ambassador to the U. K. and ex-army chief, suggested calling up women to "save Europe from war. " His remarks came during a talk at the think tank Chatham House in London. The war in Ukraine has been raging for over two-and-a-half years. Both sides are facing similar challenges in refilling their ranks. Neither side provides regular updates on their casualties, but reports suggest a combined total of around 1 million. Ukraine has far fewer people to recruit compared to Russia. Officials in Kyiv believe that if the city falls, other European nations could be next on Moscow's target list. Both countries are hesitant to take unpopular steps like broadening conscription. Many young Ukrainians and Russians have left their countries to avoid being drafted.

In April, Ukraine lowered its draft age for men from 27 to 25. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been reluctant to approve mandatory military service for women but has agreed to lower the age for men. Ukraine already has tens of thousands of women in its military, with a significant increase over the past three years. While women don't have a compulsory draft, those with medical degrees must register with the military. Around 45, 000 women served in the army as of January, with over 13, 000 in combat roles. Ukrainian officials emphasize unity against Russian aggression, with both men and women on the front lines. The Polish foreign minister has suggested that European governments should cut welfare benefits for young Ukrainian men living abroad to encourage them to return and serve.

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