‘We are not going anywhere if there are no reserves’: officer Sazonov on demobilization

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Of course, the guys at the front need to rest. They need rotation, vacations and just rest. This is very important and affects our combat capability. However, here at the front, we often ask ourselves the question when we see interesting draft laws on demobilization: who will replace us? All these statements by officials are good, but if there are no prepared reserves for demobilization of the military at the front, we will not go anywhere," Sazonov said.

The serviceman emphasized the importance of training reserves for combat operations

"Indeed, we need to have prepared reserves. We need to continue mobilization activities and train new soldiers. Moreover, they should train together with us, because the training ground does not provide real preparation for combat. Under such conditions, it will be possible to talk about the rotation and demobilization of military personnel," he added.

What is known about mobilization in Ukraine

Earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law extending mobilization until February 14, 2024.

The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, suggested that an additional draft might take place in Ukraine. However, the Ministry of Defense claims that there is no need to increase mobilization. However, former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace believes that Ukraine needs to mobilize more people and rejuvenate the army.

"The average age of soldiers at the front is over 40. I understand President Zelenskyy's desire to preserve young people for the future, but the fact is that Russia is secretly mobilizing the entire country. Putin knows that a pause will give him time to create a new army. Therefore, as Britain did in 1939 and 1941, it may be time to reconsider the scale of mobilization in Ukraine," Wallace emphasized.

On November 24, the issue of demobilization of Ukrainian conscripts whose service has already expired was discussed at the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff

Also, On November 24, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to present a plan for mobilization.