Ukrainian commanders stated that poorly trained conscripts contribute to the loss of territories — Associated Press

The loss of territories in Eastern Ukraine is partly attributed to poorly trained mobilized soldiers.

This information reported according to statements made by Ukrainian commanders to The Associated Press.

“They do not receive even the most basic level of training necessary for our combat actions. Some people do not want to shoot. They see the enemy at firing positions in trenches but do not open fire. This is why our people are dying. When they do not use their weapons, they are ineffective. Fear breeds panic and chaos. This is also the reason for our defeats,” said a commander of the 47th Brigade.

Other mobilized soldiers struggle with assembling weapons, coordinating basic combat movements, and lack fundamental knowledge of topography. Some even abandon their positions.

Commanders and soldiers from four brigades defending the Pokrovsk area report that the mobilized troops do not have even the minimum level of training.

“The main problem is the self-preservation instinct of the newcomers. In the past, people could hold their ground to the last moment to defend a position. Now, even under light shelling of firing positions, they retreat. Yes, there are motivated people, but they are very, very few. A position is held as long as there are these motivated and dedicated individuals,” said a soldier from the 110th Brigade.

Previously, MP Oleksandr Fedienko mentioned that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have left their military units without authorization.