Generals, lawmakers, and former ministers are all weighing in: Myroslav Hai explains why Ukraine should adopt the Israeli model
26 March 19:34
There are already examples in Ukraine of members of parliament, former ministers, and former heads of government agencies going off to fight. These examples are important and inspiring. At the same time, in wartime, the state must remain governable, which is why the government and the Verkhovna Rada must continue to function.
In other words, the demand for “everyone to the front” is currently more a matter of populism than a real step toward defending the state. But Ukraine can gradually move toward a model similar to Israel’s, where military service is mandatory for every citizen. And in this way, it can truly become stronger.
This was stated in a comment to "Komersant Ukrainian" by military officer and volunteer Myroslav Hai.
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According to him, today the Ukrainian army includes not only mobilized citizens but also former high-ranking officials and politicians.
In particular, he cited the example of MP Tetiana Chornovol, who is fighting in his unit, and also noted that former high-ranking civil servants are serving on the front lines.
It was also previously reported that former State Border Service head Serhiy Deyneka was mobilized for service (after his dismissal, he led a combat border detachment — ed.), and former Economy Minister Pavlo Sheremeta also joined the Defense Forces (in 2025, he joined the National Guard of Ukraine).
According to Guy, such examples are very important and motivating for society.
At the same time, the military official calls statements about “sending all officials and lawmakers to the front lines” populism.
“We cannot take all members of parliament and send them to fight. Someone has to run the government, pass laws, deal with energy, the economy, and accession to the European Union,” he explained.
Gai emphasized that during wartime, the country needs an effective system of state governance, as well as a parliament and government capable of making the decisions necessary for the defense and functioning of the state.
At the same time, Hai believes that Ukraine should gradually move toward a model similar to Israel’s, where military service is mandatory for most citizens, and people who have not served effectively cannot pursue a political or government career.
According to him, this requires changing the approach of the state and society so that service in the army or defense forces becomes the norm for citizens.
Separately, the military official advised Ukrainians to start preparing on their own for potential military service right now. First and foremost, this involves first aid courses, basic physical training, weapons handling skills, drone operation, knowledge of electronics and communications, and the ability to drive a vehicle. According to him, people with such skills are much more valuable to military units and find their place in the army more quickly.
“If you have any additional skills that could be useful to a unit, you become a more effective person who is valued and who contributes,” he noted.
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