Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, the commander of Ukraine’s Drone Forces, has expressed support for a revised approach to military mobilization, suggesting that individuals eligible for service should join voluntarily, bypassing traditional recruitment channels.
His comments come in the wake of recent tensions in Zakarpattia, where local residents clashed with military recruitment officials. Brovdi emphasized that both civilians and recruitment officers must adhere to the law, stating, “Neither civilians nor TCC employees have the right to violate the law.”
He condemned draft evasion, labeling it as detrimental to the nation, akin to human trafficking. “Deliberate evasion of conscription is a criminal offense, which I strongly condemn. It warrants legal accountability,” Brovdi asserted.
Brovdi criticized the aggressive tactics employed by recruitment officials, known as “busification,” aimed at rounding up draft dodgers. He stated, “I categorically condemn violence. Crossing the line of legality and exceeding authority constitutes a crime. If you commit a crime, you must face the consequences.”
While advocating for increased accountability for crimes, Brovdi also called for a shift in mobilization strategies. He pointed out that these new measures are currently being developed by relevant authorities.
He reiterated that the use of physical violence against any military personnel is unjustifiable, emphasizing the need for stricter penalties for acts of violence, including incitement and provocation.
As an alternative to traditional recruitment, Brovdi proposed that eligible individuals could voluntarily join the Drone Forces. He stated, “Volunteers who consciously choose to defend their homeland—regardless of when they made that choice—are a vital component of our military and its core strength.”
Brovdi assured potential recruits that those who join voluntarily will serve in their chosen specialties. He clarified, “This is a straightforward proposal for recruitment into the Drone Forces, ensuring that individuals can join without coercion or the use of force. I guarantee conditions for service in their selected roles.”
He highlighted the effectiveness of the Drone Forces, noting that they are responsible for targeting a significant portion of enemy assets, while maintaining a personnel loss rate of less than one percent.
For those interested in joining the Drone Forces, Brovdi provided a link for recruitment.
It is important to note that Brovdi’s strong reaction to the violence against recruitment officials in Zakarpattia has led to misinterpretations by some bloggers and media outlets, suggesting that he is opposed to the public.
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Drone Forces, advocates for voluntary military service as a response to recent tensions surrounding mobilization. He emphasizes legal adherence and condemns violence while promoting a revised approach to recruitment.