Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decreed on Thursday February 24 the general military mobilization to counter the Russian invasion of the country, according to a decree. The measure will concern those submitted “to military conscription and reservists”. “The mobilization must be carried out within 90 days from the date of entry into force of this decree”clarifies the text.
Separately, men between the ages of 18 and 60 are barred from leaving Ukraine, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said, under martial law.
A call to European allies
In a serious address to the Ukrainian people, the president announced that he was staying in Kiev, and that his children were also present. “The enemy has designated me as target number 1, my family as target number 2”, did he declare. The Head of State also calls on his compatriots to be wary of “sabotage groups” Russians who entered the capital.
Deploring the fact that Ukraine is “left alone” against Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky also sent a message to his partners: “Now is an important moment. The fate of our country is being decided. I ask them: ‘Are you with us?’ They answer: ‘With you.’ “But they are not ready to take us into the Alliance with them. Today, I asked 27 European leaders if Ukraine would be part of NATO. Everyone is afraid! They do not answer. And we are not afraid.”