Women respond better: Reznikov explained the mobilization of women in Ukraine

Ukraine should study the experience of countries where military service involves not only men but also women. In the long term, this could significantly increase the state’s mobilization resources. This was stated in an interview «Telegraf» by former Ukrainian defense minister Oleksii Reznikov.

He said that, first of all, Ukraine should analyze the experience of Israel, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands. This is not about immediately mobilizing all women, but about creating a system of nationwide military training. Reznikov noted that introducing mandatory service for women is possible only after societal consensus and the corresponding changes to legislation.

“Further, if a consensus of the majority of the population is reached, essentially a new social contract is concluded, then the draft bill is introduced in parliament and a law is adopted that will introduce this norm. Or changes to the Constitution.”

The former minister believes that in the future Ukraine could move to a gender-neutral military conscription, since the threat from Russia will remain even after the current war ends. He also suggested that women could replace some men in rear positions, as well as perform other tasks in the military.

According to Reznikov, women may also have advantages in some military specialties, particularly when operating UAVs. He referred to research by his father, who studied the reaction speed of men and women.

Separately, the former minister explained how, in his view, mobilization could work in families with children. If both the man and the woman are liable for military service, the family, he said, should have the ability to decide which of them will go to serve.

“They cannot both be mobilized. Under no circumstances!”

At the same time Reznikov emphasized that such changes are possible only in the long term and provided that Ukrainian society supports the relevant model of military duty.

Earlier we wrote:

• Women without children proposed for mobilization: CPD explained whether such changes are being prepared
• The Ministry of Defense is preparing changes to conscription age and “radical measures” of mobilization — Kostenko
• The TCC announced a search for women without medical education — the Ministry of Defense apologized
• The CPD refutes information about a possible forced mobilization of women in Ukraine
• Mobilization in Ukraine is not yet complete, — Reznikov