Missing from the Draft Rolls: Nearly 2 Million Eligible Men in Ukraine Are Unregistered

Oleksandr Fediienko's Remarks

According to ХВИЛЯ: Mobilization policy is one of the most sensitive issues in Ukraine as the war continues, and new comments from a ruling-party lawmaker have added to the debate. Speaking on Espreso TV's “What Next?” program, Oleksandr Fediienko of the Servant of the People party said that close to 2 million Ukrainians who are obligated to serve are currently absent from the military records. His suggestion was to make that category the state's first priority, instead of immediately calculating the number of available conscripts.

Fediienko also stated that no revision to the deferment policy for parents with three or more children is expected in the immediate future. He noted that the Verkhovna Rada committee for national security, defense, and intelligence is continuously addressing mobilization issues and coordinating with the Defense Ministry.

“We have around two million evaders. They are off the radar. The goal should be to create the conditions for them to appear on the radar in the maximum possible numbers. Then we can assess the actual mobilization pool, and see who has a deferment, who has a reservation, and so on.”

Oleksandr Fediienko

His criticism extended to the electronic petition system, which he described as “complete profanation.” In his view, the public expresses its will, but those petitions subsequently disappear somewhere inside the Cabinet of Ministers or the President's Office. He added that while his committee remains actively engaged on mobilization, parts of parliament are already turning their attention to elections.

“The national security committee lives with this issue. But parliament as a whole does not. Some lawmakers have already started living with elections in mind. I tell my colleagues: look, ballistic missiles are flying over us, while you're thinking about approval ratings.”

Oleksandr Fediienko

Previously, the online outlet Khvylya reported that three types of restrictions for evaders were being prepared, and the Defense Ministry acknowledged problems with forced conscription. Fediienko's remarks have reignited public discussion about the mobilization system and the country's military registration practices.

His comments highlight the potential significance of drawing unregistered draft-age men into the official system, which could have a major effect on Ukraine's mobilization capacity. They also point to broader worries about whether democratic mechanisms are functioning effectively at a time when national security issues dominate the agenda.

As the situation evolves, the ongoing war raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the current mobilization strategy in Ukraine. While lawmakers like parliamentary priorities shift towards upcoming elections, key ministerial positions remain unfilled, which could further complicate the mobilization efforts. Understanding these dynamics is essential to grasp the full scope of the challenges facing the nation.