Ukraine has achieved significant success in military recruitment since the implementation of a new conscription law in May 2024, reportedly enlisting approximately 30,000 new soldiers each month. This figure matches the number of recruits Russia, with a population more than three times that of Ukraine, is reportedly able to mobilize monthly.
According to senior Ukrainian officials cited by the Financial Times, this influx of new troops has been crucial for bolstering defenses against Russian aggression. However, local commanders have expressed concerns about the quality of training and motivation among these new recruits, indicating that such issues could adversely affect combat effectiveness.
The report outlines that there are significant worries regarding inadequate training and low morale, with estimates suggesting that between 50% to 70% of new infantry recruits may be killed or injured shortly after their first missions. One commander highlighted that many new soldiers flee at the first sign of danger, such as incoming artillery fire.
Men aged between 25 and 60 in Ukraine are mandated to register for military service and may be drafted as needed, sometimes under duress. Reports indicate that some men fear recruitment teams and have attempted to flee the country, where leaving is generally prohibited for those subject to conscription.
Despite these challenges, many volunteers are willing to defend Ukraine against Russian invaders. Thousands of Ukrainians have reportedly signed up to join a unit being trained by the Polish army.
Moreover, the lack of motivation and training among some new recruits, along with a shortage of equipment, poses significant challenges for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials state that new recruits are not only intended to reinforce existing units but also to form new brigades comprising several thousand soldiers.
Military experts suggest that Ukraine aims to regain offensive capabilities by 2025 with the formation of 10 new brigades. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that so far only heavy military equipment, such as tanks and armored personnel carriers, has been received from the West, which is insufficient to fully equip the new brigades.