Zelensky commented on the mobilization plan and the idea of selecting people through a lottery: details (video)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a recent interview for an American publication The Philadelphia Inquirer renounced the idea of introducing a lottery to mobilize Ukrainians into the country’s Armed Forces. According to Garant, this approach is unethical and unfair to those who are already giving their lives defending the country at the front.
“First of all, the request regarding the number (of people who need to be mobilized – ed.) is formed by the leadership of the Armed Forces. We can give weapons, clothes, modern technologies, I have to find money for this production, encourage partners for it. But tactical actions, how many people are needed at the front, should always be formulated by the military leadership.”, – said Zelensky.
Zelensky emphasized that the mobilization in Ukraine is taking place according to the plan developed by the military leadership, which precisely defines the need for new fighters. He also recalled that the idea of a lottery for army conscription arose in the United States almost two centuries ago, in 1863.
“It was said that there was such a lottery once upon a time. I don’t think it’s very ethical for those on the front lines and it’s not very fair, to be honest, for everyone. This lottery story was in the USA, but it was a war not on your territory and not for the existence of the USA. It’s not an existential challenge, it’s other things. Ukraine is fighting for survival. And where there is “survive” and “lottery” – I don’t have an “equals” sign, more question marks”, – he said.
The Ukrainian leader, explaining his position, called on citizens to respond to the call of the head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, who on Constitution Day called on Ukrainians to join the ranks of the Armed Forces to defend the country.
