Key facts
- Ukraine must mobilize at least 30,000 people per month, according to Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov.
- Budanov warned that ending the war in the short term is unrealistic.
- He stated that the number of dissatisfied people regarding mobilization will not change.
- Ukraine is preparing "radical" changes to its mobilization system, including potential draft age revisions.
- Financial incentives for military contracts have not significantly increased recruitment.
- Budanov's name and voice appeared in audio tapes related to a case involving his deputy, Iryna Mudra.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has stated that the country must mobilize at least 30,000 people per month, warning that an end to the war in the short term is unrealistic. These comments, made on Ukrainian television on August 28, come as Ukraine's leadership faces increasing pressure to address issues within the country's mobilization process, which has been in place since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Budanov acknowledged the political sensitivity of the topic, noting that quantitative mobilization indicators will remain unchanged, thus the number of dissatisfied individuals will also persist. He urged Ukrainians not to expect an imminent end to the conflict, suggesting that upcoming negotiations would focus on technical aspects and preparation for future developments.
Earlier, on August 22, Roman Kostenko, secretary of the parliamentary defense committee, indicated that Ukraine is preparing "radical" changes to its mobilization system, potentially including revisions to the draft age. Kostenko also noted that financial incentives for military contracts have not significantly boosted recruitment, leading officials to consider alternative measures.
Budanov, previously the head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency HUR, was appointed Presidential Office head following the search of his predecessor, Andrii Yermak, by anti-corruption agencies. Budanov himself has faced scrutiny after Ukrainian media reported his name and voice featured in audio tapes related to the case of his deputy, Iryna Mudra, who was subsequently dismissed by President Zelensky. Budanov responded to the mentions by stating, "Let the court sort it out."