The main problem of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is a shortage of personnel, not a lack of weapons

The main problem facing the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) is not a lack of weapons but a shortage of personnel.

This was reported by an anonymous representative of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense in an interview with the Spanish newspaper “El Pais”.

“No one wants to join the army. The brigades tell us they can’t conduct rotations, that they are exhausted. Soon there will be no one left to fight,” the official told the publication.

Ukrainian soldiers have openly expressed similar concerns to journalists. Representatives from all four brigades defending Kurakhove have said the same, predicting the imminent fall of the city and expressing a grim outlook for future military operations due to a lack of reinforcements.

“Why are we retreating? Because we have no rotations, we don’t rest, we are demoralized,” said Officer Shkoda from the 46th Brigade.

Soldiers have also spoken about issues of desertion and unauthorized absences. For example, the 116th Territorial Defense Brigade in Kurakhove refused to follow orders and was subsequently transferred to Sumy.

Additionally, troops criticize the forced mobilization practices, which, in their opinion, deter potential volunteers who are unwilling to go to the front lines without adequate training. Many conscripts mobilized against their will reportedly refuse to follow orders or are quickly killed, according to soldiers.

As a result, some military units remain in their positions for up to three months without rotation or rest. Just a year ago, the maximum deployment time was one month, and in the first year of the war, rotations occurred every four days.

Russian forces currently hold a three-to-one advantage and are “better trained and adapted to this war than before.”

The situation is further complicated by the frequent attacks on military vehicles by Russian drones, which significantly hinder the ability to conduct rotations. Even with electronic warfare (EW) systems, the chances of success are only 50%.

Previously, UAF command admitted that the pace of mobilization has slowed down.