According to the Financial Times, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are suffering significant losses among new recruits who enter the front. In particular, it is reported that more than half of them may be killed or wounded immediately after arriving in combat. This issue is causing concern among both the military and the public.
Ukrainian commanders say the recruits lack basic combat skills and motivation, and most panic when they first come under fire. The average age of a Ukrainian soldier is 45, making it difficult to perform infantry tasks that require endurance and strength.
"From 50 to 70 percent of the new infantrymen were killed or wounded within a few days of the start of the first rotation," the publication writes, citing Ukrainian Armed Forces commanders.
Some commanders of the Defense Forces claim that out of 30 fighters in a unit, only five are under 30 years old. The lack of experience and physical training makes new recruits particularly vulnerable, and due to ineffective training, most do not even know how to properly hold a weapon. Training is still conducted in the “Soviet style”, and instructors themselves often have no combat experience. As a result, AFU units face rapid losses at the front.
The commanders also emphasize that due to constant rotations and pressure from Russian troops, Ukrainian units are suffering significant losses and are forced to retreat in some areas.
