Two Million Draft Dodgers in Ukraine: What is the State Doing About It?

In Ukraine, according to David Arahamia, the commander of the drone unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there are currently two million official draft dodgers. This staggering figure raises significant questions about the country's mobilization efforts and its capacity to ensure an adequate level of defense amid ongoing conflict.

Arahamia noted that, as per official data, there are approximately 1 to 1.2 million servicemen currently serving in the Defense Forces. When considering his calculations, the number of draft dodgers is twice that of those currently serving in the military. This ratio, he argues, indicates that with proper training and a reduction in draft dodgers, the military could engage in combat operations for a year and a half, followed by three additional years of civilian life, raising families and contributing to economic development.

Arahamia emphasized that many of the personal and economic challenges faced by the army could be alleviated if there were fewer draft dodgers. He believes that there are an additional three to four armies hiding in the rear, which calls into question the effectiveness of mobilization efforts.

According to Arahamia, state authorities are not taking sufficient measures to combat draft dodging. In 2025, only 1,030 criminal cases were registered for evading military service, which constitutes a mere 0.05% of the total number of draft dodgers. This suggests that there are virtually no real criminal penalties for draft dodging in Ukraine.

Victor Yahun, commenting on the situation, pointed out that fines for draft dodging do not constitute a real punishment. Currently, there is no available statistics on the fines imposed, and the initial review of fines falls under the responsibility of regional recruitment centers. Journalists who have inquired with these bodies were informed that no statistics on the number of fines are maintained.

Last year, reports indicated that approximately 180,000 fines were imposed annually, but these figures are merely theoretical. In reality, fines were collected in significantly smaller volumes, and only one in ten draft dodgers faced a penalty. Many of these cases remain unfulfilled, indicating the state's inaction in addressing the issue of draft dodgers.

Arahamia has called for more proactive measures from the government, stressing that draft dodging must be seriously punished; otherwise, the situation in the country may worsen. He highlighted that the lack of real measures against draft dodgers creates the impression that the state encourages evasion of service.

Consequently, the issues of mobilization and the fight against draft dodging remain extremely relevant for Ukraine. In the context of war, it is crucial to ensure an adequate level of defense, and effective solutions must be found to engage all those who can and should protect their country.