War-weary mothers, wives and children of Ukrainian soldiers demand a cap on military service time
Scores of protesters have gathered in the streets of Ukrainian cities to demand a cap of 18 months on mandatory military service
KYIV, Ukraine — Scores of protesters gathered on the streets of Ukrainian cities on Friday to demand a cap of 18 months on mandatory military service, amid new suggestions of possible Ukrainian and international weariness with the 20-month war.
Both the warring sides are striving to keep their military momentum, though neither side has been able to land a knockout blow, and the fighting is expected to drag on deep into next year.
Ukraine ordered a general mobilization of the male population between the ages of 25 to 60 when Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. The vast majority joined up as volunteers. As the war grinds on, Ukraine has ramped up the draft.
The 18-month service limit sought by the protesters would be the same maximum as before the war. It is currently open-ended for draftees. The protesters, who are part of a loose national network, want the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, to consider possible alternatives on service time.
About 100 wives, mothers, children and relatives of Ukrainian soldiers attended a demonstration in the capital, Kyiv.
They chanted “Demobilize the soldiers” and carried banners calling for the return of their loved ones. “Why is dad not coming back?” asked one placard carried by a child.
“I live in constant fear for his life," Valeriia Koliada, 35, said of her husband, who volunteered for the military.
“It’s nerve-wracking for me. He is tired as well,” she said. “We are a young family. I also want to have a child and sleep calm at night.”
Protesters also gathered in at least six other cities.
There are no signs that Ukrainian public support for
Read more on abcnews.go.com
