Key Measures to Enhance Mobilization in Ukraine
In an interview with Suspilne, Ukraine's Military Ombudswoman Olha Reshetilova outlined three critical steps that could significantly improve the country's mobilization system. She emphasized the need for motivated soldiers who clearly understand their goals and constitutional duty to defend the state. According to Reshetilova, it is time to rotate out service members who have been on active duty for an extended period.
“First, we want to see motivated people in the military who understand why they are joining and that defending the state is their constitutional duty—and it is time to replace those servicemen who have been serving for a long time.” – Olha Reshetilova
Steps Two and Three
The second key step, in Reshetilova's view, involves reforming the military medical commissions (MMCs) and Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Order No. 402, which determines the fitness of service members. She pointed out the need to raise health standards for recruits, noting that currently there are cases where individuals with obvious health issues are not undergoing proper checks.
“I would very much like us to reform the system of military medical commissions and that ill-fated Order 402, which sets the health bar far too low for service members.” – Olha Reshetilova
The third step the ombudswoman highlighted is improving the mobilization process itself. “The third—and I think this is what the Ministry of Defense is currently working on—is reforming the entire conscription process,” Reshetilova said. She stressed that approaches to recruiting new soldiers must change to improve the quality of selection.
It is worth recalling that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine established a three-month transition period for critical enterprises to reconfirm their status, which must be completed by September 1. In 2026, martial law and general mobilization remain in effect across Ukraine. These factors underscore the urgency of initiatives aimed at improving the mobilization process and ensuring the country’s reliable defense.
Reshetilova’s proposed initiatives highlight the importance of systemic changes in the military sphere, which could positively impact the nation’s defense capabilities. Reforming the military medical commissions and raising requirements for recruits could lead to better training and more effective mobilization of service members. With martial law and general mobilization continuing, these steps are especially relevant for strengthening Ukraine's defense.
As the Ukrainian military seeks to enhance its mobilization efforts, the recent announcement regarding the disbandment of recruitment centers highlights the ongoing challenges of draft evasion and corruption. This decision, driven by the need for a more effective conscription process, aligns with the recommendations provided by reforming recruitment strategies to ensure that the military can better fulfill its constitutional duties.