Top Russian official Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of Russia’s parliament, has openly mocked U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. The comments—made on Volodin’s Telegram channel—followed reports that Ukraine’s defense ministry had adjusted its criteria for those eligible for military service in an increasingly anguished attempt to counteract a troop shortage.
In April, Ukraine passed a law offering financial incentives, death benefits for the families of those who fall in service, and penalties for men evading conscription. This move, aimed at replenishing Ukraine’s struggling forces, is a critical part of the country’s ongoing efforts to stem the Russian offensive in the eastern part of Ukraine’s frontlines.
A Ukrainian news outlet Strana, perceived as opposing the current Ukrainian government, reported that the updated criteria for military service suitability even included sick individuals such as those with asymptomatic cancer, TB, or HIV, and those with mild mental illnesses.
This information, when picked up by Russian news outlets, provided ammunition for Duma Speaker Volodin to take public aim at Presidents Biden and Zelensky. He suggested the leaders themselves, whom he insultingly referred to as mentally impaired, should be included according to this draft criterion.
The Ukrainian military faces a severe personnel shortage as Russia prepares for a potential new offensive wave. Despite initial enthusiasm for the defense effort, high casualty rates as the war has prolonged have led to an exodus of eligible men.
