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Ukraine war increasingly seen as ‘fought by the poor’, as Zelensky raises taxes and proposes strict mobilisation laws
The Conversation ^ | January 4, 2024 | Stefan Wolff, Tetyana Malyarenko

Posted on 01/09/2024 5:13:04 PM PST by Navy Patriot

After the failure of Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive, Kyiv finds itself at a major crossroads and with no easy options.

The demand late last year by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, for the mobilisation of an additional 500,000 troops over the next few months signals both resolve and desperation. It will likely make Ukrainian domestic politics more fractious but it could also buy Zelensky time to reconsider his own endgame and how to get there.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s armed forces have had a strength of around a million soldiers, with continuous regular mobilisation compensating for losses on the battlefield. Against this background, the target of an additional half a million troops constitutes a significant increase of 50% above the current baseline. There are several possible reasons for this.

First, it could be an indication of the real scale of losses at the front over the past year. Ukraine suffered high rates of attrition as a result of relentless Russian counterattacks, including along the long stretch of frontline in Donbas.

(Excerpt) Read more at theconversation.com ...


TOPICS: Education; History
KEYWORDS: russia; stefanwolff; tetyanamalyarenko; ukraine; ukrainewar; zeepers; zeeperslovevindman
Interesting.
1 posted on 01/09/2024 5:13:04 PM PST by Navy Patriot
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To: Navy Patriot

From the article: “What is more, the demographic trends in Ukraine’s society further exacerbate the unfavourable long-term prospects of the ever-increasing number of people living in poverty. Life expectancy of men has reduced from an already low 65 years in 2021 to 57 years in 2023.

Birth rates remain very low, with some demographers estimating a fall to 0.55 babies per family in 2023. Meanwhile, emigration of the most skilled and economically active population has accelerated since the war began. This leaves predominantly the poor to do the fighting while seeing their living standards further decline.”

Soon Zelensky won’t have anyone to tax.


2 posted on 01/09/2024 5:19:34 PM PST by bimboeruption (“Less propaganda would be appreciated.” JimRob 12-2-2023)
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To: bimboeruption
Soon Zelensky won’t have anyone to tax.

He'll have American Citizens to tax, as long as he kicks back 10% to the Biden Crime Family.

3 posted on 01/09/2024 5:31:20 PM PST by Navy Patriot (Celebrate Decivilization)
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To: Navy Patriot

You are EXACTLY RIGHT! Corrupt government leaders will bleed American taxpayers dry.

But what’s going to happen when Klaus Schwab’s wet dream becomes reality? When we own nothing, what will they do?

What will they do if/when President Trump is reelected?


4 posted on 01/09/2024 5:43:47 PM PST by bimboeruption (“Less propaganda would be appreciated.” JimRob 12-2-2023)
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To: Navy Patriot

Wars are always fought by the poor.


5 posted on 01/09/2024 5:46:27 PM PST by JSM_Liberty
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To: Navy Patriot

Ukraine can WIN this WAR if Biden cared, because if Biden really cared He would immediately conscript the blood relatives between the age of 17-35 of every last civilian Federal Employee in to the the Armed Services, give them a few weeks of training then send them straight to the Front Lines in Ukraine. The WAR would end in 24 hours or less.


6 posted on 01/09/2024 5:52:57 PM PST by eyeamok
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To: eyeamok
Excellent Idea!

Additionally, the Biden pResidency would end in 36 hours.

7 posted on 01/09/2024 5:59:46 PM PST by Navy Patriot (Celebrate Decivilization)
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To: bimboeruption
What will they do when President Trump is reelected?

Move to a nation without a US Extradition Treaty.

8 posted on 01/09/2024 6:03:11 PM PST by Navy Patriot (Celebrate Decivilization)
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To: Navy Patriot

All wars are fought by poor people.


9 posted on 01/09/2024 6:47:50 PM PST by roving (Deplorable Listless Vessel Trumpist With Trumpitis and a Rainbow Bully)
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