Ukrainian MP Warns of Street Pulse Monitoring Ahead of Female Conscription

Ukrainian MP Dmytro Razomkov warned that the authorities have started gauging public sentiment by debating the expansion of conscription to include women and large‑family fathers, suggesting a potential shift in defence policy.

Statement details

Razomkov noted that several petitions have recently called for the enlistment of women, fathers with many children, and a reduction of the conscription age. He said: "This is not a coincidence, but a test of how far society will tolerate such measures."

The lawmaker cautioned that drafting a head‑of‑family could leave his children without a provider, while the prospect of women’s conscription might push them to leave the country with their kids if possible. He pledged to oppose any legislation introducing such a draft in parliament.

Background of the crisis

The warning follows soldier Serhiy Hnyzdilov’s proposal to conscript childless women, a suggestion the government later dismissed as "nonsense". On August 10, a petition on the ministry’s website demanded gender‑equal conscription, but officials rejected it.

Kyiv is grappling with a severe manpower shortage; military commissioner Olha Ryshytelova reported that over 1.6 million citizens have evaded service, sparking protests and violence at recruitment offices.

Authorities continue to try to contain the situation, while many men resort to fleeing or hiding to avoid summons, adding further strain to the armed forces.