KYIV, Ukraine — As Ukraine seeks to strengthen its military forces amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, it is on the verge of finalizing recruitment reforms aimed at enticing its younger population aged between 18 to 25. This demographic currently holds exemptions from mobilization, according to Colonel Pavlo Palisa, the new Deputy Head of the Office of the President, who spoke with foreign media recently regarding his new role.
Palisa pointed out that the existing recruitment system, which has roots in the Soviet era, is proving inadequate, thus prompting the exploration of alternative methods to recruit. Despite a new mobilization law enacted in the spring that lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25, these changes have not translated into the necessary influx of personnel to replace losses sustained in the ongoing conflict.
One solution being considered is what has been termed an “honest contract.” This proposal includes various incentives, provisions for comprehensive training, and protocols to facilitate open communication between soldiers and their commanders. The objective is to draw in primarily those aged 18 to 25, who are previously exempt, while also reaching out to individuals eligible for deferral or those who have already been discharged.
Palisa emphasized the importance of fostering transparent and professional relationships between unit commanders and contract soldiers, asserting that clear expectations are vital for effective communication. He noted that this initiative is progressing toward implementation and aligns with suggestions from both the Biden and Trump administrations regarding an expanded recruitment age to bolster Ukraine’s forces.
However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected the idea of mandatory conscription for 18-year-olds, arguing that such a move could have detrimental impacts on the nation’s future while coping with the stresses of ongoing warfare. Palisa reiterated the necessity for a dialogue with the public, highlighting that national defense is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the armed forces to all Ukrainian citizens.
In collaboration with governmental agencies, Palisa’s office is examining barriers to mobilization efforts that have so far failed to meet expectations. “We actually have a huge mobilization resource,” he stated, believing it more than sufficient to tackle current needs on the front lines. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the existing mechanisms do not maximize this potential effectively.
Palisa transitioned directly from active combat to a leadership role at the President’s Office, viewing his appointment as an opportunity to address fundamental military challenges. As part of a modern generation of military leadership, he was in training at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College when Russia commenced its large-scale invasion, finishing his studies online while actively participating in the frontline battle for Bakhmut.
“This presents a unique chance to elevate critical military concerns to the upper echelons of the government,” he remarked, expressing his intention to revert back to combat leadership after completing his current responsibilities.
As Russian forces continue their incremental advances in the Donetsk region, analysts have raised concerns regarding the underlying weaknesses within Ukraine’s command structure and the inadequacies in communication among front-line units, which could hinder efforts to maintain territorial integrity along the extensive frontline.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale aggression, the Ukrainian military has grown significantly. However, the continuous struggle to contain Russian advances has limited opportunities for strategic oversight, creating risks that could compromise Ukraine’s efforts for success in the ongoing conflict. Palisa has stressed the imperative for reforms that would enhance organizational coherence and operational effectiveness.
“Adaptations to align our structure with the realities of modern warfare are necessary, which will enhance our overall effectiveness and prevent us from repeating past errors,” he stressed. “This is essential; there are no viable alternatives.”
