Bundeswehr General highlights need for increased mobilization in Ukraine

DW reports this. 

General Freuding told German journalists, "Ukraine will need to mobilize more soldiers, primarily due to the significant casualties observed."

He also stressed the importance of rotating front-line personnel who have been in place for nearly two years.

Addressing the rumored differences between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Armed Forces Commander Valery Zaluzhnyi, General Freuding commented, "We cannot delve into backstage discussions."

"However, we are closely monitoring these interactions between military and political leadership. We hope Ukraine will maintain the unity that has bolstered its defense in recent months and years," he added.

General Freuding noted that such debates are characteristic of a democratic state but cautioned that, in the long run, they "do not contribute to the defensive effort."

Insights into mobilization in Ukraine

On December 19, 2023, President Zelenskyy announced during a press conference that the General Staff had discussed the mobilization of an additional 450-500 thousand Ukrainians for the year 2023.

By December 25, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers had presented a bill to the Council aimed at enhancing the mobilization process.

During a meeting on January 8, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy acknowledged concerns about corruption risks within the government's mobilization law.

On January 11, the mobilization bill was sent back to the government for revision without parliamentary consideration.

Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets has contended that certain aspects of the mobilization violate Ukraine's Constitution, international obligations, and human rights.

In late January, an updated mobilization bill was submitted to the Council by the government.

On February 5, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted draft laws to the Verkhovna Rada proposing a 90-day extension of general mobilization and martial law.