The war they play: Russia’s militarization of Ukrainian children

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Illia Krotenko photo

Illia Krotenko

Illia Krotenko is a sergeant with the Ukrainian Ground Forces.

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Ukraine is failing the mobilization test

by Illia Krotenko
Ukrainian society largely does not want to mobilize. Nearly 6 million Ukrainian men have not updated their information in military enlistment centers, and most of them likely don't have grounds for a deferment or exemption. Forced mobilization of these men is categorically opposed by society. Rosy-cheeked aunts gather and shout "shame" at military enlistment officers tasked with searching for draft dodgers. Society is also resistant to the mobilization of 25-year-old "children." However, this s