Many Ukrainian men of conscription age are not willing to fight for a military and national government

They see it as rife with corruption and incompetence. One guy told the publication that he is “not eager” to risk his life after hearing stories from acquaintances in the Ukrainian Armed Forces about inadequate training and widespread corruption. For instance, instances of officers taking bribes for leave, The Washington Post reported.

“Even if you don’t have a leg, they’ll say you can still operate drones,” says another guy. He also complained about corruption, stating that ordinary Ukrainians fight and die while “members of parliament” and representatives of another elite drive around the country in “Mercedes” and other fashionable cars. The need for additional troops arises as Ukraine prepares for a prolonged war. Currently, Ukraine needs new fighters even more than military supplies. This leads to the search for new ways of mobilizing the population and stricter measures against draft dodgers.

“To be honest, we need more soldiers. Professional military personnel are running out,” said the commander of the assault group of the 68th brigade, Dolphin. In his opinion, too many civilians seem content leaving combat actions to “professional” soldiers. American estimates put losses in the Ukrainian Armed Forces at 124,500, including 15,500 fatalities. However, “Ukrainians remain united in that many see this as a battle for survival and tens of thousands willingly come to recruitment stations to sign up for military service,” aware of what Russian occupation might bring.