Ukraine mobilization crisis: 2 million wanted, 200,000 AWOL
Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov reveals 2 million Ukrainians are wanted for mobilization and 200,000 have gone AWOL, amid a 300 billion budget gap.
Editor
WISE NEWS PRESS / KYIV, UKRAINE
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov announced that the country faces a severe mobilization crisis with 2 million citizens wanted and 200,000 soldiers AWOL, signaling a major shift toward military audits and drone-centric reforms.
The revelation comes as the Ministry of Defense grapples with a 300 billion deficit, forcing the new leadership to prioritize technological solutions and financial transparency over traditional recruitment methods. Fedorov, speaking upon his appointment, noted that he inherited a ministry in a critical state, emphasizing the need for realism over populism.
Systematic audit and budget reforms
Minister Fedorov highlighted that the Ministry of Defense was handed over to him with a 300 billion shortfall. To address this, he has called for a comprehensive audit of the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC) and the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). "I don't want to be a populist; I want to be a realist," Fedorov stated, indicating that any increase in military pay would be dependent on the findings of this audit and the ability to forecast future fiscal steps.
Strategic shift toward long-range drones
As part of the new defense doctrine, the Minister emphasized the urgent implementation of advanced strike capabilities. Fedorov announced plans to saturate the military with long-range drones, specifically targeting the development of fiber-optic-guided systems. He noted that Ukraine must produce domestic equivalents to Russian "Molniya" drones to maintain a competitive edge on the battlefield.
Ensuring resource equity for brigades
Addressing a significant imbalance in supply lines, Fedorov pointed out that currently, 80% of resources are being funneled to only a select few units. The new administration aims to establish a "minimum level of provision" for every brigade, ensuring that all subdivisions can plan operations months in advance. This structural change is intended to ensure that every unit on the front line has sufficient drone capacity and operational support.
