“Shortage of manpower”: the number of Ukrainians signing the youth contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine is modest – WSJ

The number of Ukrainians aged 18-24 who have agreed to sign a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) is currently modest.

This was reported by The Wall Street Journal.

According to the publication, the emergence of such contracts “reflects the seriousness of the manpower shortage that is hampering Ukraine’s defense efforts in the face of Russia’s relentless offensive.”

“So far, few young people have been swayed by the ‘18-24 contract.’ The government says that only about 500 people have joined the scheme since its launch in February. A wall of bureaucracy often delays the process of adapting recruits, and many of them drop out of training under pressure from their parents, according to Ukrainian officials,” the article says.

Meanwhile, “many men aged 18 to 60, who are prohibited from leaving the country, either go into hiding or have paid bribes to illegally flee the country and avoid conscription.”

“Behind the glossy advertising campaign of the program lies a difficult decision it imposes on Ukrainian youth. Despite months of diplomatic efforts by President Trump, there is no peace in sight. Ukrainian teenage boys often say they face a choice: either join the army or try to build a professional career that could be interrupted by mobilization as soon as they turn 25. Many choose emigration,” the article says.

The Wall Street Journal also describes some dissatisfaction among older Ukrainian servicemen, who do not like the preferential treatment given to the 18-24 age group.

A generous sign-up bonus of 1 million hryvnias has led to the recruits being mockingly nicknamed “millionaires,” the article reports.