Do Ukrainians trust the Armed Forces, how do they see the modern army, and what do they think about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s cancellation of conscription? UA correspondents asked these questions to citizens in different regions of Ukraine.
“I trust the Ukrainian army because my friends and acquaintances also serve there, so I trust. In my opinion, more money should be spent on the army in order to make it more formed” – a man says.
“I trust the Ukrainian army. Given the recent arrival of aid and attention to the army, I think that as of now the army is much better” – a woman says.
“I trust, because these are our guys, they protect us. It must be provided first, the money must go to the army first, so that it protects us” – a woman says.
“Strong, I don’t know, I can’t give a short answer, the army must be strong and it must be supported by everyone inside, and the government. There are people who want to serve, that’s what they need. There are people who don’t want to, but you won’t be forced to be nice” – a woman says.
“I don’t know, I’ve heard for the most part not that hazing, but at least, let’s say, not a special attitude specifically towards soldiers, bad attitude towards conscripts .. my personal opinion, seems to me better contract on a professional basis, so so that by their own decision they come there, and let’s say, knowledgeable people in this” – a man says.
“I definitely don’t trust the army. + People were sent, they were proud of it, I will say that the children served two years, they gave it to our government. I’ll give it back, they’ll say – sorry, give money. Ok, take the money for death. I didn’t raise him to get money. And for the country to grow!” – a man says.
“They must serve. And what – should hang out on the street? And smoking and doing drugs? I think they should serve” – a man says.
“Well it is much better to have a professional one. Because what kids at 18 can do? If a man in his 20s, who knows where, how, and what to do. Like, let’s say, the soldiers from Donetsk. The contract soldiers. They know what they are fighting for and how. And what about the guys who are 18 years old?” – a man says.
“I trust the army more than in 2013-2014. + There is no need for conscription. I think the army should be made up of people who want to be there voluntarily. It should be people who get paid for it” – a man says.
“There is no money for the contract. But the conscription is needed, of course. These are the soldiers like those at Yuzhmash. They have to do that kind of service. Of course, there may be different attitudes to this. But nevertheless, the army is necessary” – a man says.