‘Ukraine prioritizes mobilization of the unemployed and informally employed’ – Shmygala

Source: Denys Shmyhal

In his speech at the Kyiv International Economic Forum, Ukraine’s prime minister Denys Shmyhal revealed that the recruitment offices are not sending mobilization notices “prrimarily to individuals who are unemployed or working without formal contracts”.  The strategy is part of the government’s “fight or work” policy.

According to Shmyhal, the moblilization campaign leaves out those who contribute the country’s economy by paying taxes. “As of today, 98% of the mobilization orders, generated through the ‘Oberih’ registry system, are being sent to individuals who are neither paying taxes nor registered with any official employment,” Shmyhal said.

The selective approach reflects President Volodymyr Zelensky’s earlier message in his New Year’s address for 2024, where he stressed that no one in Ukraine could remain indifferent to the war, adding the country will use the “fight or work” policy, with those who are not officially employed will be first in line for military call-up

This policy has sparked much debate, but the Ukrainian government is firm on its stance: in a time of war, everyone must contribute.