Zaluzhny Backs Smart Mobilization over Demobilization Calls

Valery Zaluzhny, former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army and current ambassador to the United Kingdom, has dismissed calls for demobilization during the war as political populism. He made the remarks at the Defence24 Days conference in Warsaw.

Zaluzhny said Ukraine faces a long-term war against a stronger adversary, making mobilization essential. He pointed to front-line losses, public fatigue and declining troop morale as key challenges, and argued that the answer lies in "smart mobilization" that accounts for both technological progress and the demographic crisis.

He acknowledged that demobilization is technically possible, but only after fundamental reforms to the army, the training system and the defense industry. He stressed the need for modernization and greater use of technology to reduce casualties.

Zaluzhny also called for debate on new models for army organization, including clear rules of service, rotation systems and private sector involvement.

He described the war in Ukraine as unique in being the first conflict in which autonomous systems and drones have been deployed on a large scale, arguing that technological progress is now the primary determinant of military capability.

Zaluzhny concluded that demobilization cannot be an end in itself, but must be the result of broad reforms across the army and society.

(est, interfax ukraine)