Ukraine is facing increasing difficulties in attracting new fighters to replenish its army. Kyiv's attempt to maintain defensive positions against the backdrop of active Russian troops advancing is forcing the authorities to resort to tougher mobilization measures. According to The Wall Street Journal , the country has begun checks in crowded places, including concert halls, luxury stores and popular cafes, to find new recruits and call them to service.
Mobilization raids cause conflicting reactions among the population. Some citizens support such measures, considering them a necessary step to ensure fairness in conscription. Deputy Commander of the 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Maksym Zhorin notes: “Fair mobilization is when people are recruited not only from villages, but also from cities.” However, such actions also cause indignation, especially among those who believe that those in power often avoid conscription thanks to corruption schemes.
Tensions are rising in society as some influential figures evade the draft. Scandals involving bribery have increased pressure on President Zelensky, who has dissolved medical commissions and launched an audit of companies that have reserved workers from mobilization.
Reduction in the number of mobilized
The replenishment of the Ukrainian army has become problematic due to significant losses at the front, especially after last year's offensive. According to the representative of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Vasyl Rumak, the number of new recruits has dropped to 20 thousand per month, and the age of conscription is gradually being lowered. Western allies also hint at the need to lower the age barriers, but this only exacerbates demographic problems, raising concerns about the future of the country.
Ukraine has also faced the problem of insufficient training of new soldiers. At training centers, instructors note a lack of fighting spirit among newcomers. “The biggest challenge is to change their mindset,” says an instructor with the call sign “Fury.” The training period has been extended from one month to six weeks so that recruits can better prepare for real combat conditions.
The task of strengthening the army has taken on both military and political dimensions. Private Serhiy Gnezdilov, who called for fairness in mobilization, noted: “When all citizens feel the same responsibility for the country, then perhaps something will change.” At the same time, the Ukrainian military continues to strengthen its forces at the front, expecting support from Western allies.
Will there be enough human resources for the front?
With most of those willing to serve already on the front lines, providing the army with new forces is becoming an extremely difficult task. So far, only four of the 14 brigades needed for a breakthrough have been manned, which significantly affects the course of hostilities. Amid the fierce confrontation in the east, Russian forces continue to exploit their numerical superiority, while Ukraine is doing everything it can to attract more Western support.
