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Ukraine war
OpinionLetters

Letters | A Ukraine that needs more troops should try diplomacy

  • Readers discuss the state of Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion, China’s diplomatic prowess, and kindness in Hong Kong

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A recruiting placard of Ukraine’s military during a partial blackout in the centre of Kyiv on June 22 amid Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. Photo: AFP
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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led not only to a sharp economic downturn and destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine but also a severe humanitarian crisis and a critical shortage of manpower. Ukraine’s new mobilisation law, which came into force in May, tightened rules around conscription and drew public criticism. One particularly contentious aspect of the law was lowering the age of conscription from 27 to 25.
The decisions made by the Ukrainian government indicate that the country is in a desperate situation and that the army needs better weapons and reinforcements. It is noteworthy that before the new mobilisation law was adopted, Ukraine suspended consular services for Ukrainian men of military age for a few weeks. The government was obviously trying to keep potential conscripts in the country.
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All these decisions and restrictions resemble a sacrifice ritual rather than political measures aimed at protecting the state. Knowing that the Russian army outnumbers the Ukrainian one both in manpower and weaponry, some Ukrainians are trying to avoid mobilisation by any means. Some men are afraid to go out into the streets or use public transport for fear that they will be forced to register for the draft.

Tightening pressure on military-age men abroad, lowering the conscription age, mass attempts to evade conscription: won’t all this eventually lead to the Ukrainian government deciding to send youngsters to the front out of desperation? Is it really impossible for Ukraine to avoid this bloody and merciless harvest, and resolve the issue diplomatically?

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Arsul Hariyadi, Ampana, Indonesia

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