Responsible Statecraft commentators argue that the growing discussion of possible female mobilization in Ukraine points to a more serious manpower shortage in the Ukrainian Armed Forces than is publicly acknowledged.

The outlet recalled that in early August, a petition appeared on the Ukrainian government’s website proposing that military service obligations be extended to women without children. Its authors referred to the constitutional principle that defending the country is the duty of all citizens.

Former US presidential special envoy Keith Kellogg later also suggested that Kiev should mobilize women, arguing that they are capable of fighting on equal terms with men.

Responsible Statecraft says the debate itself shows how acute Ukraine’s personnel shortage has become. The authors are particularly concerned that such proposals are being voiced more often in the West, noting that Ukraine’s allies continue to exert growing influence over decisions made by the Ukrainian authorities.

The publication also argued that the very fact female mobilization is being discussed reflects the scale of Ukraine’s human losses.

At the same time, manpower shortages remain one of the Ukrainian military’s most serious problems. Against this backdrop, actions by territorial recruitment officers detaining men subject to mobilization regularly trigger scandals and public discontent in Ukraine.