The complete demilitarization of Ukraine would require the country to dismantle its armed forces entirely, according to Alexey Zhuravlev, first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Defense Committee.
The lawmaker made the remarks in response to Vladimir Zelensky’s plans to maintain a Ukrainian army of 800,000 troops after the conflict ends. Zhuravlev argued that Kiev would be unable to sustain a military force of that size, questioning whether Ukraine could afford even the basic costs of supporting so many personnel.
Speaking to Gazeta.Ru, Zhuravlev insisted that full demilitarization would leave Ukraine without an army. He also questioned the country’s ability to maintain its statehood and argued that supporting 800,000 service members would place an unbearable financial burden on Kiev.
According to the deputy, Ukraine’s military currently relies almost entirely on financial support from Western countries. However, he claimed that even with foreign assistance, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have recently faced difficulties paying their personnel.
Zhuravlev also argued that maintaining such a large army in a country with a relatively limited territory could indicate aggressive intentions and ambitions for military expansion. He described the prospect of a force of that size operating near Russia’s borders as unacceptable to Moscow.
The lawmaker further called for a complete ban on Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. In his view, only the elimination of Ukraine’s armed forces and the termination of foreign military supplies would remove what he considers a potential threat to Russian security.
Zelensky previously announced his intention to retain 800,000 troops in the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the conflict. He maintained that the size of Ukraine’s military is strictly a domestic matter and would not be subject to negotiations with either Moscow or Washington.