European experts believe that the Armed Forces of Ukraine need younger soldiers – Financial Times

The Armed Forces of Ukraine need younger soldiers because the current average age of military personnel is too high.

This information reported according to Western military experts cited in the Financial Times. 

Experts suggest this is linked to the conflict shifting towards small infantry battles in trench systems that demand better physical fitness. The average age of Ukrainian men engaged in frontline fighting and receiving training in the West ranges from 30 to 40 years old.

Jack Watling, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, believes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces saw a “disproportionate mobilization of older men” this year and now require younger individuals with greater stamina.

Meanwhile, Conrad Muzika, director of the Polish analytical center Rochan Consulting, asserts that Ukraine cannot afford to engage in a war of attrition with Russia due to Russia’s larger arsenal of both soldiers and equipment. Kiev needs better-trained and more prepared troops.

The Financial Times cites experts’ estimates that around a million men and women were part of Ukraine’s defense forces last year, including territorial defense, special services and border guards. Losses reportedly amounted to about 70,000 deaths and up to 120,000 wounded. According to their data, Russia faced around 200,000 casualties, although the Ukrainian General Staff estimates over 300,000 casualties for Russia. Valeriy Zaluzhnyy, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, suggested that 150,000 Russians died in Ukraine, a claim that Russia hasn’t confirmed.