Ruslan Horbenko Calls for Military Mobilization with a Focus on Technology
Ruslan Horbenko, a lawmaker from the 'Servant of the People' party, has stated that Ukraine must mobilize roughly 100,000 highly effective soldiers capable of operating advanced ground robotic systems. In an interview with the publication 'Telegraph', he emphasized that modern warfare demands a shift from quantity to quality within the armed forces. Horbenko noted that the president has requested the preparation of a three-year war plan, which should serve as the foundation for both the executive and legislative branches to develop their own proposals and ideas.
Critique of Territorial Recruitment Centers
Horbenko argued that a purely quantitative confrontation with the enemy is futile for Ukraine, especially looking ahead to 2026. According to the lawmaker, the territorial recruitment centers (TCCs) are currently enlisting between 20,000 and 30,000 people each month, but only 40-50% of those conscripted can be effectively utilized.
“The TCCs are mobilizing roughly 20-30 thousand people per month. Of those, only 40-50% can be effectively used in the army. They can be trained to operate ground robotic systems (GRS),” - Ruslan Horbenko.
The president has also announced an order for 25,000 GRS units, which can be deployed for logistics, assault missions, and defensive operations.
The lawmaker called for a comprehensive audit of the TCCs, as well as of officials and municipal enterprises that have been granted exemptions from service.
“I believe it's time to tell these TCC employees 'Stop' and conduct an audit, including within the TCCs themselves. While most of their leaders have combat experience, there are issues with the TCC security companies,” Horbenko emphasized.
He also condemned the practice of stopping trucks and forcing men up to the age of 59 to disembark in western border regions, calling it disgraceful. “When TCCs stop trucks to meet their quotas and offload men who are 59 years old—some of whom will turn 60 in December—you ask: 'Where are they serving?' They're guarding airfields,” the lawmaker noted.
Horbenko believes Ukraine needs a reform driven by the robotization of the military and an increase in both the quantity and quality of drone units. “We need at least 100,000 effective men,” he concluded. According to him, a balance must be struck to keep the economy running while supplying the army with the skilled personnel it requires.
Ruslan Horbenko's statements underscore the urgency of transforming Ukraine's military structures, particularly in light of shifting war strategies. Training soldiers to operate cutting-edge technologies like robotic systems and drones could significantly boost the effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Evaluating the performance of territorial recruitment centers and streamlining the conscription process are also becoming critical for ensuring high-quality personnel selection in the military.
In light of the pressing need for a modernized military strategy, Ukraine is also targeting the development of advanced robotic systems to enhance its defense capabilities. With the goal of producing 50,000 robotic units by 2026, this initiative could significantly transform the dynamics of warfare. To explore how these technological advancements may reshape the battlefield, read more about the implications of Ukraine's ambitious plans here.