Results for: Conscription

Ukraine is grappling with a severe shortage of troops, resorting to drastic measures like forcibly recruiting men from public places and enlisting prisoners to bolster its ranks. This desperate push for manpower highlights the harsh realities of the ongoing war with Russia, where both sides face manpower shortages and a high cost of human life. The article examines the impact of these measures on Ukrainian citizens and the ethical concerns surrounding the conscription and prisoner recruitment programs.

Israel’s parliament has approved a contentious law to conscript ultra-Orthodox religious students into the military, sparking heated debates and confrontations. The move comes as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from both allies and opponents, highlighting the volatile political landscape in Israel. The bill, which still requires further review, would gradually integrate ultra-Orthodox Jews into the armed forces, traditionally exempt from military service. While some support the measure, others, including former generals, oppose it as insufficient to address the military’s needs. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages captured in the Gaza conflict demanded more action from the government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed their pleas, ruling out any deal with Hamas and opposing a ceasefire that could facilitate the release of hostages.

Ukraine has suspended consular services for military-age men living abroad, except for those seeking assistance to return home, as part of an effort to boost conscription amid an ongoing war with Russia. The move comes as Ukraine faces a shortage of troops and seeks to improve its mobilization process, with some military analysts highlighting the need for additional manpower on the battlefield.

Ukraine has temporarily suspended consular services for men of military age (18-60) abroad. This measure aims to ensure fair treatment for those who have remained in Ukraine to defend the country against Russia’s invasion. The suspension was announced by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who criticized men fleeing the country and seeking consular services while avoiding military service. Despite some exemptions, Ukrainian law prohibits men of military age from leaving the country during martial law.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, has condemned Kiev’s policies, claiming they aim to force men of fighting age to return to Ukraine for conscription. She alleges that these policies are part of a Western-backed plan to eliminate the indigenous population of Ukraine. Moscow views the conflict with Kiev as a proxy war, while Western officials have praised Ukrainians’ willingness to fight for Western interests.