‘Fix Mobilization’ – Zelensky Lays Out Priorities for New Defense Minister Fedorov

February 3 ------ President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he has instructed new Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to sort out three key issues – including the so-called “busification” in Ukraine.

The term “busification” (бусифікація in Ukrainian) refers to the practice of forcibly detaining conscription-age males in public places and transporting them by bus to military enlistment offices for conscription – a tactic that has sparked a major controversy in Ukraine as the country seeks more manpower to repel Russia’s onslaught.

Zelensky said Fedorov, who transitioned from the digital minister position this year, is being tasked with sorting out forced conscription, alongside bolstering air defense and addressing issues with military contracts. “There are three key tasks that I set for Defense Minister Fedorov. Number one is closing the skies. Closing the skies is important in any case, regardless of how the situation develops. It’s very complex, hence the number one priority,” Zelensky said in a meeting with journalists, according to RBC Ukraine.

“Point number two: sort out the issue of busification,” he added, before moving on to the third point on military contracts. “There are many contract formats that have already been developed, and these contracts must actually work,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky also named drone and artillery procurement as an ongoing priority, saying that while it was previously believed drones could replace artillery, Ukraine now needs both. “We understand that this is a complex issue – long-range projectiles. Short-range artillery is no longer effective. Because the kill zone is already larger, wider than the projectile’s capabilities,” Zelensky added.

Soon after his latest appointment, Fedorov warned of a manpower crisis in Ukraine, saying 2 million Ukrainians are wanted for draft evasion, while another 200,000 troops are listed as absent without official leave (AWOL).

Prior to his appointment, Fedorov also pledged to conduct a comprehensive audit of territorial recruiting centers (TRCs), stressing the need to “quickly and once and for all” reform the military training system. Fedorov also set a monthly benchmark for Russian losses, saying Ukraine would need to kill 50,000 Russian troops each month to make the war unsustainable for Moscow, as Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II approaches its fourth year in February. In 2025, Moscow had set a target to enlist around 32,000 new soldiers a month to sustain its war in Ukraine.

Source: kyivpost.com