In Ukraine, the controversial new law on the mobilization of soldiers came into force this weekend. Young people can now be called to fight from the age of 25, instead of the previous age of 27.
In Ukraine, the new mobilization law, a source of division in the country, came into effect on Saturday as a new Russian offensive puts a strain on frontline troops.
The law that has been relaxed in the face of criticism makes it easier to identify each recruit – they can now be enlisted from the age of 25.
In return, financial incentives are offered to soldiersin bonus or cash.
In a training center for the recruits of the 3rd assault brigade, the AP agency was able to meet the volunteers who had chosen to enlist. A soldier, named “Rojas”, says that the real “hostages” of the situation are not the conscriptsbut the veterans on the front line that should be relieved.
For Oleksii, 68, owner of a car repair shop, the new mobilization risks having an impact on his company’s activities, it is expected that 70% of its technicians are mobilized.
Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region
This new recruitment campaign comes as Moscow intensifies these attacks in the east, on Kharkiv and its region. The country’s second city was once again a target. On Saturday, six people, including three children, were injured, according to the city’s mayor.
Faced with the Russian threat, Ukrainian emergency services teams are stepping up civilian evacuation operations near the border. 2,500 people were thus removed from Vovchansk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for greater international support, saying he feared more attacks.