The nation’s top brass is considering the expediency of introducing a voluntary military service, acting head of the General Armed Forces Staff Ihor Lysenko told a news conference, according to KW.
He said voluntary service was envisaged for individuals “willing to serve based on territorial principle up to 12 months”. He explained that that such service will only be possible in combat support units and locally headquartered subdivisions. “Ukrainians will have such a right,” he said and reminded that in a number of European countries, which cancelled a compulsory draft, citizens are allowed to serve voluntarily.
Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Oliynyk said Ukrainian army is planned to have 110,000 servicemen by 2017. He added the number was mentioned in the project of the complex national program for reform and development of the armed forces and said this figure will depend on the level of financing for reform of the armed forces.
Oliynyk assured reduction of the army strength will take place not at the expense of combat units, rather at the expense of support and management units.
