‘If 160,000 people do not come to mobilise within the next two months, we will sign a surrender.’ Massi Nayyem

The issue of mobilisation in Ukraine is becoming particularly relevant against the backdrop of war and growing public anxiety. This issue, as well as service evasion, is widely discussed, as many Ukrainians are faced with a choice: defend their country or risk the consequences of evasion. Currently, the state policy in this area is provoking a mixed reaction: on the one hand, it is aimed at increasing the mobilisation reserve, but on the other hand, it creates an atmosphere that repels even those who are ready to join the ranks of the defenders.

Massi Nayem, a war veteran and lawyer, spoke on the topic, stressing that the state policy on mobilisation and evasion has significant problems. He noted that, in an attempt to combat evasion, the state has now essentially equated all conscripts with evaders, which significantly reduces motivation even among those who would like to be drafted voluntarily. Nayyem believes that this is the wrong approach, which only complicates the situation.

According to Nayyem, a well-thought-out and effective veterans’ policy could be the first step towards proper communication and motivation of citizens. He emphasised that the adoption of such a policy would allow Ukrainians, especially those considering mobilisation, to have clarity about what awaits them upon returning from the frontline. This would give people confidence that the state will ensure that they are treated properly after being injured or completing their service. Nayyem stressed that the issue of social protection of veterans and their future should be addressed at the legislative level, which would give citizens certainty and a sense of support.

In addition, Nayyem believes it is necessary to increase respect for the military profession. He emphasised that commemorating the fallen and restoring the honour of military service should be an important part of public policy. For example, in his opinion, it would be important to create a memorial to all the fallen defenders of Ukraine, while preventing corrupt officials from profiting from this project. Nayyem believes that respect for the memory of the fallen can raise the prestige of military service, and this would motivate more people to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“I am a very emotional person, I would say the following to the society: ‘If you, 160,000 people, do not come to mobilise within the next two months, we will sign a surrender.’ Because this is an honest answer – you don’t want to fight, but someone has to do it,” said Massi Nayyem.

With this address, he demonstrated to the citizens the seriousness of the situation, stressing that if they did not want to fight, someone else would have to do it. According to Nayyem, an honest dialogue with the public would help to frankly outline the choices facing the country.

The veteran also drew attention to the complexity of the situation for those who have been at the front for three years. According to him, the service is becoming mentally and physically difficult, and the burden is growing every day. Nayem calls on society to think about what they will lose if the frontline fails and the defence line falls. He believes that awareness of the risks and losses that the country faces in the event of defeat should be the main motivator for those who are hesitant to mobilise.