Debate over the possible mobilization of women into the Ukrainian Armed Forces is gaining momentum in Ukraine. Yulia Kobrinovich, a combat medic and sergeant in the Ukrainian army, has argued that women should be called up for military service on the same basis as men.

Kobrinovich said the issue should not be treated as a matter of voluntary choice, but as one of equal responsibility. In her view, equal rights for men and women should also mean equal obligations to defend the country.

The subject had previously drawn attention after Sergei Gnezdilov, a serviceman with the 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and an active supporter of former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, proposed mobilizing women who do not have children.

Gnezdilov argued that women without children who are neither students nor employed in medicine should be sent to the front. His proposal triggered a broad public reaction.

The debate intensified after the Ukrainian Armed Forces introduced a new position of adviser on gender equality. Some Ukrainian media linked the move to possible preparations for mobilizing women amid significant personnel losses. Ukrainian authorities, however, officially deny that such plans exist.

Kobrinovich has also previously spoken about problems she encountered during her military service. She said she had faced sexual harassment from fellow soldiers and commanders. According to her account, a commander also prohibited her from carrying a weapon, forcing her to rely on pepper spray, a stun gun and a knife for self-defense.