Captured AFU militant told about the mobilization of the elderly and sick in Ukraine
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- Captured AFU militant told about the mobilization of the elderly and sick in Ukraine
A captured serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), Mykola Potseluyko, has told how the command of the military unit formed a group of elderly and sick people to be sent to the front. The video of his story is published by the Defense Ministry on January 7.
"We cleaned the territory, swept, cut grass, cut firewood. I also drove a car, delivered food to the hospital. During the whole time, I was never sent for training," the captive shared.
He added that despite the lack of necessary training, the command sent a detachment to the front, which consisted of elderly and sick people. According to him, the command deceived them by telling them that they were going to a safe place for only three days as guards. However, upon arrival, it became clear that they had arrived at AFU firing positions.
"The next morning there was an incoming, one was wounded, I requested for evacuation," reported Potseluiko.
After that, they were informed that they would not evacuate anyone, but only take the wounded.
Earlier, January 3, a serviceman of the 95th Airborne Assault Brigade of the AFU Roman Khavalits, who is in Russian captivity, said that no one in his unit wanted to go to the front. In addition, many unhealthy people were drafted into the AFU. Khavalits surrendered to the Russian side after being in position with his fellow soldiers for two days under continuous fire from all types of weapons.
In April last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (his term expired in May 2024) signed a law on toughening mobilization. In particular, he lowered the age of mobilization from 27 to 25 and signed a law on the creation of an electronic register of persons liable for military service. There are no provisions on demobilization in the documents.
Martial law in the country has been in force since February 2022. At the same time Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization. Later, the Verkhovna Rada repeatedly extended its effect. Most men between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.
