Ukraine's military faces a critical shortage of personnel as desertion rates increase, with hundreds of its soldiers missing. The recruitment crisis has prompted Ukraine's parliament to debate several measures to attract new recruits and modernize the army. In efforts to address these challenges, the government seeks to recruit 18- to 25-year-olds, currently exempt from mobilization. Meanwhile, senior commanders face scrutiny for unrealistic orders that have left troops unsupported.
The issue of desertion has taken center stage in Ukraine, as deserters risk between 12 and 15 years in jail. Last summer, a policy shift abolished criminal penalties for soldiers who voluntarily return to their units, granting them full benefits. This move aimed to encourage soldiers back but has not fully resolved the crisis.
“I reached boiling point. So I decided to go where nobody can find me,” said Oleksii, highlighting the psychological strain on soldiers.
Oleksii's words underscore the heavy mental toll felt by many Ukrainian soldiers. His sentiment is echoed by other soldiers who express feelings of isolation and exhaustion after years of conflict.
“Let’s be honest. The problem is big. It’s natural in a situation where you’ve had three years of major war. People are exhausted. They want to see their families. Their children are growing up without them. Relationships get broken. Wives and husbands can’t wait for ever. They feel alone,” explained Olha Reshetylova.
Reshetylova, an observer familiar with the military's internal struggles, emphasized the complexity of the situation. The government's approach involves not just legal reforms but integrating inexperienced recruits into existing battalions to maintain operational effectiveness.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently ordered changes in military policy to better integrate these new recruits. The government is drafting reforms aimed at making the army more modern and human-oriented, incorporating simple survival skills emphasized by soldiers like Hrebeniuk.
“Simple things keep you alive, like digging in, cleaning your weapons, and paying attention during first aid training,” noted Hrebeniuk.
The challenge remains substantial given the backdrop of senior commanders issuing unrealistic orders, which has led to chaos on the ground. The 155th Mechanised Brigade's investigation and the arrest of its commander, Dmytro Riumshyn, highlight these issues. Such investigations aim to address command failures and improve support for troops in combat zones.
“The Russians would smash our positions to the ground,” shared Viktor, reflecting on the frontline realities.
Viktor's experience contrasts sharply with his initial motivation to serve his country.
“When I arrived I was super-motivated. If necessary I would give my life,” he added.
The Ukrainian government has also appealed to its allies for support, proposing that they send troops to aid in resolving the recruitment crisis. This call for international assistance underscores the broader geopolitical stakes involved in Ukraine's ongoing conflict.
“As I see it, it is Europe’s armies that are absent without leave. They don’t understand – or don’t want to understand – that this is their war too,” remarked Olha Reshetylova.
Reshetylova's statement reflects a sentiment that Ukraine's struggle should be shared by its allies, bringing attention to the need for collective defense efforts in Europe.