Recruitment in Ukrainian army impossible without demobilization - Ukrainian officer

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Without demobilization, there will not be effective recruitment," he said. "Only those who plan to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine until retirement will stay. But that's a different situation. Currently, several issues discourage voluntary enlistment."

Lapin explained that many are willing to defend the country if the mobilization law is improved.

"I know many people who say, 'I'll go when I'm called.' They have updated their personal data, not through the Territorial recruitment centres (TRCs), but by using the Reserve+ system, which doesn't issue draft notices. People are generally ready to defend the country. For instance, those under 25 often say, 'I'd sign a contract for one, two, or three years, go to war, and then get demobilized. I'm 21 and ready to pause my university studies for a year, sign a contract, and then return to school to not miss out on education opportunities.' I know many people like this," Lapin said.

However, the current mobilization law doesn't allow this. Once a person signs a contract, they can't return to school when it ends, he added.

• A new law on mobilization came into force in Ukraine on 18 May. It was adopted and signed by the President of Ukraine in April. Politicians and the public have called Law 10449 one of the most important laws in the Rada of this convocation.