Recently, the Office of the President of Ukraine announced the preparation of legislative initiatives concerning the enlistment of young individuals aged 18-25 into the army. The focus is on utilizing financial incentives to encourage voluntary signing of contracts. In an interview with UNIAN, Fedor Venislavsky, a member of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, elaborated on what these incentives might entail and whether this initiative could be the first step toward general mobilization of young men.

What do you know about the government's intentions to involve young people aged 18-25, who are currently not subject to mobilization, in the army? What financial incentives are being discussed?

Currently, there is no legislative proposal in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that outlines such an initiative. There are ongoing discussions in the committee regarding additional incentives and rewards, including financial ones, but everything hinges on the lack of budgetary resources.

As for the involvement of young people aged 18-25 in the army, this is not a new idea; it has already been implemented. Every citizen of Ukraine within this age group can voluntarily sign a contract and serve in the Armed Forces. Last year, a significant number of young individuals, totaling over a thousand, signed contracts and are now serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Considering that additional material incentives may be introduced, the number of those willing to serve could increase.

However, I would not link the potential for additional voluntary enlistment of military personnel aged 18 to 25 with the issue of demobilization. The numbers are very large and incomparable. The question of replacing those who should be demobilized cannot be resolved by recruiting more individuals into the army or by signing contracts with young people.

How significantly will the financial incentives be increased for young people under 25 when signing contracts?

I am not prepared to provide specific figures. However, it is important to understand that relying solely on a substantial increase in financial compensation as an incentive for enlistment in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is just one option. Our enemy, Russia, effectively utilizes this strategy, as they sometimes offer several million for signing contracts, which is unprecedented for 90% of the population in Russia and can financially secure their families for years to come. This is one option for our country, but it is crucial to recognize that the standard of living in rural Russia and Ukraine is vastly different. If we evaluate objectively, the level of monetary compensation for our servicemen today aligns with the average compensation for military personnel in other countries worldwide. Additionally, the financial compensation for those fighting on the front lines is substantial. Citizens from other countries are willing to fight for such amounts.

Could increased payments for those aged 18 to 25, should such a decision be made, lead to resentment among those who previously signed contracts under less favorable conditions? Could this provoke dissatisfaction within the army?

There will not be better financial conditions for those who sign contracts compared to those already serving. It is likely that we will discuss one-time payments upon signing contracts. This means that there will be a lump sum at the time of contract signing, after which they will receive the same general compensation as other servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is currently challenging to provide more specific information on this topic, as there is no legislative proposal in Parliament regarding this matter yet. However, it is essential to apply models that do not violate the principle of equality. Thus, the incentive for signing contracts will not create better conditions for anyone performing combat tasks in the war.

Is there a threat today that young, aimless individuals who are willing to destroy the vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for money from the enemy will not seek financial rewards to join the army?

I believe that in 95% of cases, arson is committed for money. It is essential to understand that while this is reported, such incidents are isolated and not a widespread phenomenon. Moreover, military counterintelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the police are monitoring this process, and all this information will be taken into account when signing contracts.

Is the encouragement of enlistment for those under 25 a first step toward general mobilization of young men in the future?

No, there is currently no discussion of forced mobilization for young people in this age category. Last year, we received a certain number of young individuals in this age group who signed contracts voluntarily. I cannot specify the number of people involved, as this information is classified during wartime.

People who believe in the omnipotent power of U.S. President Donald Trump, who will come and wave his hand to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine, do not understand why mobilization is necessary if hostilities will cease?

At present, it is not appropriate to talk about the cessation of hostilities. Such thoughts and public statements harm the interests of national security and defense capability of Ukraine. This creates a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. I have no grounds to believe that the war will end in the coming months, as someone who has a bit more information from closed sources. The war will not end within several months. Mobilization is proceeding as planned, and there will be no leniency in these matters. Initiatives to involve those aged 18-25 in the army only confirm that we need reinforcements in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

We have reason to hope that we will conclude the war over a relatively short period.

In Ukraine, many programs have been introduced that not only prepare students in higher education institutions but also in schools to defend their country. Is this essentially calling everyone to arms?

Back in 2021, when the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the law on the foundations of national resistance, we laid down the philosophical concept that all citizens of Ukraine, regardless of gender, should be ready to defend their homeland with arms in hand. We studied the experiences of Israel, Finland, and the Baltic states. Therefore, the introduction of basic military training and basic service aims to create a human reserve. Young people will gain an understanding of and skills in handling weapons and defending their homeland. This process is not quick. But we have initiated it, and already this year, students in Ukrainian higher education institutions are required to complete a basic military training course integrated into the educational process. I hope this will enhance our capabilities in the future. Young people should acquire practical knowledge that will be useful to them, rather than theoretical reflections that will not aid them in the future.

[IMAGE_3]Fedor Venislavsky, member of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence

Fedor Venislavsky is a people's deputy and a member of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence. Previously, he served as the representative of President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (until September 12, 2022) and in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (until December 7, 2023).