In an interview with NTA channel, Yuriy Sirotyuk, a junior sergeant of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, expressed his concerns about the upcoming year, stating that it will be the most frightening for Ukraine. Sirotyuk emphasized the need for society to be aware of the possibility of war even on the currently peaceful territory.
The junior sergeant also highlighted the importance of mobilizing the entire population capable of service, stating that without such mobilization, significant achievements cannot be made by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He condemned those Ukrainians who avoid frontline deployment and “hide in women’s skirts,” noting that draft evaders will eventually be called up to the Russian army.
Earlier, Kirill Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, announced the continuation of compulsory mobilization. He pointed out the shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and warned about further losses among servicemen. Budanov stressed the necessity of maintaining the army’s strength.
Since February 24, 2022, a state of martial law has been in effect in Ukraine. On February 25, Zelensky signed a decree on universal mobilization, prohibiting military conscripts from leaving the country. The martial law in Ukraine has been extended multiple times.
On November 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed laws extending the state of martial law and mobilization in the country for three more months. Now, mobilization and martial law will be in effect until February 14, 2024. On November 23, it was reported in the Rada about the preparation of a comprehensive law on mobilization.
Previously, the United States acknowledged the failure of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ counteroffensive.
