Ex-US Envoy Backs Mobilizing Ukrainian Women; Kyiv Denies Plans

Former US special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg has voiced support for mobilizing Ukrainian women into the military, citing the country's manpower deficit after more than four years of full-scale war. In an interview with the YouTube channel Naspravdi MAX, Kellogg stated, "My answer is yes, because they fight just as well as men." He added that it is "very important for women, as part of society, to serve" and sees no personal or professional issue with the idea.

Kellogg's remarks come as Ukraine grapples with significant personnel shortages. The discussion around filling the ranks of the Ukrainian army has intensified. This perspective suggests that integrating women into military service could be a viable solution to bolster the country's defense capabilities.

However, just hours after Kellogg's statements gained traction, the Public Relations Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine issued a formal statement. They clarified that the mobilization of women "is not being carried out, is not being prepared, nor is it being considered." The administration stressed that no legislative initiatives, draft laws, or internal discussions regarding women's mobilization are underway. They emphasized that women currently join the Ukrainian defense forces solely on a voluntary basis.

This official denial aims to quell speculation, with the statement urging Ukrainians not to fall for rumors and to rely on official information sources. The administration also noted that "statements by individual speakers who publicly express speculation on this topic do not reflect the actual legislative work or the committee's position."

Earlier, former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov had suggested that Ukraine should consider introducing mandatory military service for all citizens, regardless of gender. He pointed to Israel as a model, where women serve in the military similarly to men. Reznikov estimated that mobilizing women could potentially double the available personnel, allowing more men to be redirected to combat roles, particularly if women filled non-frontline positions. He acknowledged that such a change would require amendments to existing Ukrainian law by the parliament.