Demobilisation in Ukraine: Gudimenko sets out two conditions
Yuriy Gudymenko made this statement in an interview with Radio NV.
Yuriy Gudymenko believes that the demobilisation of some military personnel is only possible if Ukraine can replace them with other trained personnel or technology.
According to him, in order to release a certain number of military personnel from service, it is necessary to mobilise a corresponding number of people, train them and keep them in the armed forces. He also mentioned the issue of the Special Forces.
“In order to demobilise a certain number of people, we need to mobilise a corresponding number of people, train them and keep them there, because there is still the Special Forces, and so on. In other words, if demobilisation is to take place, we need either to automate the process (which isn’t really feasible at the moment, as the technology isn’t sufficiently advanced) or to find people,” said Gudymenko on Radio NV.
He noted that people can be sought both within Ukraine and abroad. In his view, approaches to such a search should be reviewed in both directions.
Mobilisation must be clear and transparent
Gudimenko also stated that mobilisation must become clear, precise, transparent and “finally – for everyone”.
He cited the example of packed sports halls, where, he said, there are men who are “obviously reserved by someone”, but who are not at work at that moment. At the same time, according to Gudymenko, the public is seeing videos of scandals because the Territorial Recruitment Centres have exceeded their powers.
“This needs to be sorted out. I know this is a task that needs to be tackled, and I know people are working on it,” said the head of the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defence.
He also expressed the view that Ukraine should attract as many foreigners as possible from friendly countries. In his words, such people could fight for Ukraine and, if necessary, be granted citizenship, as “no one has cancelled the demographic crisis”.
“I would like the jobs to be filled by people who fought for us, rather than those who simply came here because things are worse in their country than they are here now,” added Gudimenko.
What Zelenskyy said about army reform
On 1 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the start of army reform in Ukraine.
According to him, the contract system is to be strengthened so that, as early as 2026, it will be possible for previously mobilised servicemen to be discharged from service.
The President also announced that he had instructed that military pay be “significantly increased” in accordance with the principle of fairness.
This involves increasing payments for carrying out combat duties on the front line, combat and command experience, as well as performance.
According to Zelenskyy, the minimum pay should be no less than 30,000 UAH for rear-line posts. For combat positions, payments should be “several times higher”.
As reported by ThePublic, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has submitted draft laws to the Verkhovna Rada on the extension of martial law and general mobilisation in Ukraine. This involves an extension for a further 90 days – from 4 May to 2 August 2026.
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