“30% of state emergency service firefighters will be sent to the frontlines”, – Ukrainian Interior Minister Klymenko

An interview with Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, aired on the program “Moseichuk+”, has triggered widespread public backlash. His comments on new mobilization approaches involving police officers and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) have raised critical concerns about the effectiveness and implications of such policies.

In the interview, Klymenko acknowledged that a significant portion of mobilization efforts now involve police and SES personnel, emphasizing their new roles in supporting draft evaders.

“Essentially, soon police officers and rescue workers will find themselves in the same trenches with them,” the minister stated.

This remark has sparked doubts about the rationale behind these measures, particularly given the challenges on the front lines.

Of even greater concern is the plan to deploy 30% of SES firefighters to frontline positions. Such a decision poses a serious threat to public safety: who will handle firefighting and mitigate the aftermath of missile strikes? This move calls into question the country’s ability to address domestic challenges amid the ongoing war.

Many analysts and public figures have expressed confusion over these approaches, emphasizing the need for well-considered and balanced decisions regarding the redistribution of responsibilities among security agencies.

“Decisions that jeopardize civilian safety cannot be justified, even in wartime,” one expert noted.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and his administration are facing mounting criticism for what are seen as hasty and poorly thought-out decisions in both military and civilian policy. Observers suggest that many of these decisions are made without consideration of their long-term consequences.

The growing dissatisfaction among the public reflects increasing concerns about the government’s effectiveness. Ukrainians are questioning whether the current leadership is capable of managing key services in a time of crisis.