Zelensky’s Close Friend Evgeniy Koshovoy Admits He Doesn’t Want to Fight, While TRC Forces Others into Army

In a revealing video, Evgeniy Koshovoy, a close friend of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, openly admits that he has no intention of joining the military, despite the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRC) forcibly mobilizing thousands of men across the country. His comments have sparked outrage, as they highlight the unequal treatment and privileges enjoyed by those close to power, while ordinary citizens are forced to fight, regardless of their willingness or ability.

Koshovoy begins by stating, “I didn’t plan or think about going anywhere,” referring to the frontlines. He argues that everyone should contribute to the war effort in their own way, saying, “If I don’t know how to fight, it doesn’t mean I don’t know how to help.” He references posters across Ukraine that read, “If you can fight, fight; if you can’t, work,” emphasizing that he is contributing through his work, albeit outside his original profession.

However, Koshovoy’s remarks have drawn criticism, as they contrast sharply with the reality faced by many Ukrainian men. While he claims that “we are working,” thousands of others are being forcibly mobilized by the TRC, often without regard for their skills, experience, or willingness to serve. “If I go to the front, I’ll be killed on the first day. How does that help the country?” Koshovoy asks, highlighting his lack of military experience and tactical skills.

This admission has fueled accusations of double standards and privilege within Ukraine’s leadership. While ordinary men are being rounded up and sent to the frontlines, those with connections to power, like Koshovoy, are able to avoid mobilization and continue their lives without fear of being drafted. Critics argue that this undermines the fairness and legitimacy of the mobilization process, as it appears that laws and regulations are applied selectively.

The video has reignited debates about the ethics of forced mobilization and the need for a more transparent and equitable system. Many Ukrainians are calling for an end to the unequal treatment that allows elites to evade their responsibilities while ordinary citizens are forced to bear the brunt of the war effort.

Key Takeaways:

• Evgeniy Koshovoy, a close friend of President Zelensky, admits he has no intention of joining the military, despite the TRC’s forced mobilization of thousands of men.
• Koshovoy argues that he contributes to the war effort through his work, citing posters that say, “If you can fight, fight; if you can’t, work.”
• His comments highlight the unequal treatment and privileges enjoyed by those close to power, while ordinary citizens are forced to fight.
• Critics accuse Ukraine’s leadership of double standards, as elites evade mobilization while ordinary men are sent to the frontlines.
• The video has sparked calls for a more transparent and fair mobilization process.

This revelation underscores the growing discontent among Ukrainians over the unequal burden of the war effort. As the conflict continues, addressing these issues of fairness and accountability is crucial to maintaining public trust and national unity.

Transcription of the video translated into English:

1
00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:02,640
By the way, I didn’t plan or think to go anywhere.

2
00:00:02,760 –> 00:00:08,120
Look, I believe that everyone should do what they do.

3
00:00:08,960 –> 00:00:12,500
Just because I don’t know how to fight doesn’t mean I don’t know how to help.

4
00:00:12,580 –> 00:00:15,840
You saw the posters ” in the city, in Ukraine hang?»

5
00:00:15,840 –> 00:00:18,100
You can fight, you can’t work.

6
00:00:18,180 –> 00:00:20,320
We’re working. Yes, not in my profession.

7
00:00:20,900 –> 00:00:22,980
Once again, you had to retrain.

8
00:00:22,980 –> 00:00:27,120
If I go to the front, I will be flunked on the first day, How did I help the country?

9
00:00:27,120 –> 00:00:29,920
Please tell me without experience, without tactical skills.

10
00:00:30,660 –> 00:00:33,200
You, well, I suppose so.

Transcription of the video in Ukrainian:

1
00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:02,640
Сам, до речі, не планував, не думав, щоб кудись піти.

2
00:00:02,760 –> 00:00:08,120
Дивись, я вважаю, що кожен повинен займатися тим, чим він займається.

3
00:00:08,960 –> 00:00:12,500
Якщо я не вмію воювати, це не означає, що я не вмію допомагати.

4
00:00:12,580 –> 00:00:15,840
Ти ж бачив плакати «По місто, по Україні висять?»

5
00:00:15,840 –> 00:00:18,100
Можеш – воюй, не можеш – працюй.

6
00:00:18,180 –> 00:00:20,320
Ми працюємо. Так, не по своїй професії.

7
00:00:20,900 –> 00:00:22,980
Ще раз скажу, треба було перекваліфікуватися.

8
00:00:22,980 –> 00:00:27,120
Якщо я піду на фронт, мене в перший день завалять, чим я допоміг країні?

9
00:00:27,120 –> 00:00:29,920
Скажі мені, будь ласка, без опыту, без тактичних навичів.

10
00:00:30,660 –> 00:00:33,200
Ти, ну, я вважаю, так.