WAR IN UKRAINE
Ukrainian refugees will be drafted to boost troops in war against Russia
President Zelensky will introduce conscription as part of his aim to recruit 500,000 more soldiers
Ukrainian refugees in Europe will be called up to bolster their country’s army, the Ukrainian defence minister has announced.
Rustem Umerov told the German newspaper Bild that men aged 25 to 60 would receive a summons to report to Ukrainian army recruitment centres. They would face unspecified sanctions if they failed to volunteer.
“We want fairness for everyone because it’s about our own country. We are sending them an invitation,” he said. “We are still discussing what should happen if they don’t come voluntarily.”
He added: “It’s not a punishment to stand up for your country and serve it. It is an honour.”
Recruits would be informed in advance how they would be trained and equipped, where and when they would serve and when they
