Pavlo, a 36-year-old veteran of the Bakhmut battle, now works for the Ukrainian mobilization unit in Kyiv. His job involves patrolling the streets and identifying men eligible for military service who haven’t registered, a legal requirement for Ukrainian men aged 25-60. This task, however, feels like a punishment to Pavlo, who sustained severe leg injuries during his time on the front lines and longs to return to combat. He feels a moral imperative to serve his country, contrasting his willingness to fight with the fear he observes in those trying to avoid conscription. This duty, though, places him in morally challenging situations, witnessing the desperation and fear of those facing potential deployment.
The article captures the tension and desperation present in Ukrainian society as the war with Russia drags on. Pavlo’s pursuit of a mustachioed man who evades him highlights the cat-and-mouse game between those enforcing mobilization and those trying to avoid it. Pavlo’s physical limitations, a direct result of his prior service, ironically hinder him in this pursuit. His frustration is palpable, stemming from both his physical limitations and his disdain for those who avoid service, whom he sees as cowards. This sentiment is fueled by his personal experiences, having witnessed the death of friends, his father-in-law, and countless others in the conflict.
The piece portrays the deep societal divide the war has created. Online forums seethe with resentment towards mobilization officers, often referred to derisively as ”cucumbers” or ”zucchini.” Pavlo is aware of this animosity, even receiving direct threats, but maintains he and his colleagues are often misrepresented in viral videos. He argues these clips often omit the context leading up to confrontations, implying those resisting conscription are sometimes the initial aggressors. He acknowledges the existence of corruption within the system, admitting some individuals have bribed their way out of service, a practice he personally condemns. He firmly believes every Ukrainian should contribute to the war effort, regardless of such irregularities.
The article also highlights the human cost of the war, both physical and psychological. Pavlo’s injuries are a constant reminder of his time in Bakhmut, a battle that left him with metal rods and screws in his legs. His experience underscores the immense strain on Ukrainian forces, with thousands killed and wounded, creating a desperate need for fresh troops. The war has also taken a psychological toll on the population. Pavlo recounts an incident where a man feigned unconsciousness to avoid being taken, illustrating the extreme measures some are willing to take. The ubiquity of the mobilization effort is further underlined by the difficulty the journalist and photographer encounter in hailing a cab near the mobilization headquarters, as many drivers are of conscription age and fear being apprehended.
Pavlo’s perspective provides a glimpse into the complexities and contradictions of the mobilization process. He expresses understanding for the fear of death, acknowledging that only ”madmen” are unafraid. However, he also believes the dangers are often exaggerated and insists on the necessity of service. When confronted with the moral dilemma of a potential father torn between duty and family, Pavlo’s response is stark: it’s better to be a dead father than to have a dead child, emphasizing the existential threat he believes Russia poses. He argues fighting is necessary to protect future generations and prevent a future under Russian oppression, which he equates with ”Gulag and death.”
The article concludes by emphasizing the ongoing demand for soldiers in Ukraine. The updated mobilization laws, lowering the draft age and requiring personal registration, reflect the growing need for manpower. The quota system for mobilization officers, requiring them to process a certain number of men daily, further underscores the urgency of the situation. This pressure, coupled with the widespread fear and resentment, creates a tense and often morally ambiguous environment for those like Pavlo, tasked with enforcing mobilization laws in a country grappling with the devastating realities of a protracted war. The closing anecdote, where the author and photographer struggle to find a taxi due to drivers’ fear of mobilization, serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive impact of the war on everyday life in Ukraine.
