You're reading: Avakov calls for Ukrainian military to become volunteer force due to difficulties with mobilization

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has spoken in favor of rapidly reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine into a professional volunteer army after the difficulties with mobilization.

“The army needs to be urgently switched to a professional contract basis, reducing the number of troops and increasing the pay to real skilled servicemen, as well as [increasing] their provision. Discipline, preparedness and motivation have advantages over numbers. This approach has a future, while catching conscripts in the streets and trams has none. As a minister and a member of the National Security and Defense Council I will put forward a proposal to apply such an approach without delay. I will appeal to the supreme commander-in-chief,” Avakov wrote on his Facebook page on July 30.