In case of Donbas escalation, new mobilization wave will immediately follow

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has said that if the situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas escalates a new wave of mobilization into the army may be held.

"If the situation on the front line seriously escalates a new wave of mobilization will be announced immediately," Turchynov said during the presentation of the Security and Defense Sector Information Center at the NSDC in Kyiv on Friday.

Turchynov said the country has been working on switching the Armed Forces to a contractual basis for two years. Specifically, the number of people who want to serve in the army under a contract has increased by almost 40% since the beginning of 2016.

"However, Ukraine cannot scrap conscription in a situation of a conflict with the Russian Federation. The need for trained reserves is too high and is critical to the survival of our state," Turchynov said.

At the same time, the number of mobilized people decreased twofold in the first half of this year, he said. "Mobilized people should return home in the second half of 2016," Turchynov said, adding that a new, 7th wave of mobilization will be declared if need be.