During the early stages of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Mykola Kulichenko experienced a harrowing ordeal involving abduction and attempted execution by Russian forces, from which he narrowly escaped. After surviving being shot and buried alive, he managed to dig himself out of his grave.
Despite suffering severe trauma from the incident, including a gunshot wound that left a significant mark on his cheek, Mr. Kulichenko returned to his life in northern Ukraine, caring for his elderly father and tending to his farm. However, he continues to struggle with nightmares and flashbacks related to his experiences.
In October, Mr. Kulichenko received a draft summons, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Ukraine’s mobilization system, which predominantly targets older men. As part of the ongoing military demands, American officials have suggested that Ukraine should revise its recruitment policies to include younger men aged 18 to 25, currently exempt from the draft.
Ukrainian authorities, however, express concerns about future demographic shortfalls if younger individuals are drafted, defending their current stance against American criticisms. Dmytro Lytvyn, a communications adviser to the president, emphasized that Ukraine should not be expected to resolve logistical delays with the youth of its population.
Mr. Kulichenko’s situation is emblematic of broader challenges in establishing fair draft exemptions during the war. Recent rule changes eliminated certain hardship exemptions, making many individuals eligible for recruitment despite their circumstances. This has resulted in a complex and fluctuating mobilization system that leaves many civilians contending for their status amidst overlapping hardships.
Despite efforts to streamline the draft process and reduce draft evasion, recruitment numbers have declined, and military officials note a drop in the health and motivation of new soldiers. The Ukrainian government plans to draft an additional 160,000 men, but doing so from an older demographic could compromise overall military effectiveness.
As the war intensifies, Ukraine has faced territorial setbacks in regions like Donbas and Kupiansk. Analysts suggest that the military’s struggles stem partly from inadequate personnel numbers. Some local protests against aggressive mobilization tactics have emerged, reflecting societal pushback against the recruitment practices that have targeted older men in rural communities.
The Ukrainian Parliament is currently reviewing potential legislative changes aimed at modifying draft regulations, including reinstating certain exemptions and providing soldiers more agency in choosing their units. An amendment under consideration could grant deferments to civilians previously arrested by Russian forces, potentially including Mr. Kulichenko, though he remains eligible under current policies.
The question of draft exemptions based on past war injuries has ignited debate, with many veterans returning to service despite severe impairments. Mr. Kulichenko’s experience adds to this complex narrative, having been arrested alongside his brothers in March 2022, and later enduring torture and a near-fatal execution attempt.
Having escaped his grim fate, Mr. Kulichenko understands the army's need for personnel but firmly believes his past trauma disqualifies him from serving. He has chosen not to comply with his draft summons, reflecting his enduring emotional scars from his experiences in the conflict.