Saldo Says Deporting Ukrainian Men From Europe Won't Solve Army's Troop Shortages
Kherson Region governor says force-recruited army cannot be motivated, warns of deep crisis
Quick Look
- Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo told TASS that European countries cannot resolve Ukraine's troop shortages by deporting Ukrainian men back home.
- Saldo criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal, stating that an army relying on forced recruitment is in deep crisis and cannot be motivated.
- He added that most men who fled mobilization have no desire to die for President Zelensky and his Western sponsors.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ukraine has faced significant military recruitment challenges since the start of the conflict, with millions of men fleeing the country to avoid conscription. European countries have become home to large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, including military-age men. Germany has been a major destination for Ukrainian refugees since 2022.
GENICHESK, May 3. /TASS/. European countries cannot help resolve the troop shortages the Ukrainian army is facing by deporting Ukrainian men back home, Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo told TASS in an interview.
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Berlin would seek to facilitate an early return of draft-age Ukrainian men to their home country.
"It won't save the day for the Ukrainian armed forces. If an army relies on hunting down recruits across Europe and bringing them to the front by force, it means a deep crisis," Saldo pointed out. An army recruited by force cannot be motivated, he noted.
"The majority of people who fled mobilization have no desire to die for the interests of Zelensky and his Western sponsors," the Kherson Region governor added.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine will continue to face recruitment challenges despite European policies
Very likely · Within months
Germany may face criticism from Ukrainian officials over the policy
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How will Germany implement the policy if agreed?
- What will be the response from Ukrainian government?
- How many Ukrainian men in Germany could be affected?
