Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has called for mandatory military service to be extended to all citizens, including women, in an interview.
Speaking to Radio Free Europe, Reznikov argued that expanding compulsory military duty to female citizens would instantly double Ukraine's available mobilization pool as the nation continues to repel aggression.
Reznikov cited the State of Israel as the primary model for Ukraine, noting that Israel faces security threats similar in degree to those confronting Kyiv. In Israel, military conscription applies equally to both men and women upon reaching adulthood. Reznikov stated that Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, must amend national legislation to state that the general duty to defend the country belongs to every citizen, adding that true gender equality requires women to serve in the armed forces.
According to the former defence minister, requiring women to serve would not necessarily mean sending them into direct combat. He explained that many military positions and specialized roles can easily be fulfilled by female personnel without placing them on the battlefield. By taking over essential support, supply, and rear logistics roles, female recruits would allow male personnel currently assigned to non-combat positions to be shifted closer to the front line.
Reznikov posed the question of whether Ukrainian society is ready to accept that, much like Israel, the country can only survive if every citizen shares the responsibility of national defence.
Proposals for societal campaign and parliamentary approval
Reznikov emphasized that any move toward compulsory military service for women should begin with a public information campaign rather than immediate legislative enforcement. He noted that the term mobilization inherently carries a connotation of coercion, whereas the government should focus first on building societal consensus and public confidence in the necessity of universal service.
If such an attitude comes to dominate public opinion, Reznikov said lawmakers in the Verkhovna Rada would easily enter the parliamentary session hall and vote to pass the required legislative changes. Once public support is established, he said Ukraine could proceed with amending its laws and establishing a dedicated recruiting system tailored to women.
Reznikov also pointed to steps taken during his time in government to support women in uniform. He recalled that during his tenure as defence minister, the ministry formally approved official standards for female military uniforms and body armor tailored specifically for women.
Reznikov served as Ukraine's Minister of Defence from November 2021 to September 2023, steering the country's military logistics and international defence procurement during the first eighteen months of Russia's full-scale invasion. Radio Free Europe, which broadcast the interview on its Radio Svoboda service, is a US government-funded international news organization that has reported extensively on Ukrainian defence policy.
Current mobilization framework and army response
Despite Reznikov's comments, the Ukrainian Ground Forces have stated that they are not currently preparing for the mobilization of women. Under existing Ukrainian law, military service for female citizens within the Defense Forces of Ukraine remains largely voluntary.
Ukraine introduced martial law and declared general mobilization immediately following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Under constitutional procedures, the Verkhovna Rada extends the duration of martial law and mobilization every three months through regular parliamentary votes.
When general mobilization was first declared, authorities established strict travel restrictions prohibiting male citizens aged 18 to 60 who are eligible for military service from leaving the country during wartime. However, legislative amendments passed by parliament took effect in August 2025, permitting Ukrainian men under the age of 22 to travel abroad.
