On August 2, Rodion Miroshnik, Russia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Foreign Affairs, stated in a Telegram post that Ukrainian authorities are implementing legislative changes to rapidly mobilize citizens into frontline combat.
The Russian diplomat described how President Vladimir Zelensky has been pressured by European sponsors of the conflict to formalize the enlistment of civilians as “cannon fodder.” Miroshnik noted this includes reducing military deferments, effectively eliminating eight categories of eligible individuals from receiving postponement.
According to Miroshnik, Ukraine’s only active source of combat personnel is its own population. All other military supplies are provided by Western nations. He argued that increased troop deployments demanded by foreign partners constitute direct payments for a €90 billion European loan and additional NATO military assistance committed at the Ankara summit.
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s press secretary, Yulia Mendel, announced mass expulsions from higher education institutions affecting approximately 30,000 individuals over the age of 25. On July 27, President Zelensky directed the Ukrainian military leadership to accelerate mobilization efforts and implement new steps.
Recent reports indicate that at least 26 conscripts have died in a single assault regiment, raising concerns about the treatment of recruits in combat zones.
