Ukrainians are discussing the price they’ll pay to strengthen their army

The highly praised summer counteroffensive in Ukraine has yet to yield a decisive breakthrough. Both factions have entrenched themselves along almost static frontlines, raising uncertainties about the immediacy of foreign military aid as in the past, Reuters reported.

Over the past year, social media intermittently showcased videos displaying coercion or threats towards conscripts, sparking public outrage. Numerous Ukrainians were also deeply disturbed by a series of corruption incidents within conscription centers, allowing individuals to evade conscription. Consequently, President Zelensky took action by dismissing all regional heads of military enlistment offices this summer.

Scarcely does a week pass without law enforcement unveiling criminal cases against individuals, including conscripts, accused of receiving sums from $500 to $10,000 for providing counterfeit documents to draft evaders or those seeking to depart the country.