Ukrainian military news sources shared with a news magazine that new enlistees joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces commonly experience respiratory challenges, alcohol dependency, and apprehension towards gunfire sounds. The publication highlights the growing complexity of the situation in Ukraine, underscoring the challenges exacerbated by Kyiv’s hesitancy in mobilization, particularly at a critical juncture
One of the Ukrainian officers said that more and more people aged 45-47 are joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“They start to feel short of breath before they even reach the front,” the soldier said.
According to a news magazine shared information as Ukraine military news, the average age of Ukrainian military personnel is now 43 years old, ten years older than in March 2022. Ukrainian commanders increasingly complain that they are forming units with recruits “whose combat usefulness is questionable.” “Some of them can’t even shoot because they’re afraid of the sound of the shot. Others have drank too much in their lives. Three out of ten new soldiers are no better than a drunk who fell asleep from drunkenness and suddenly woke up in uniform,” said another officer.
According to him, the instructors had to hold one such recruit during shooting because he was unable to shoot as due to alcohol addiction.
In Ukraine, a proposed bill surfaced, aiming to lower the minimum draft age from 25 to 27 years and streamline the process for issuing summonses.
Should the bill be approved, Ukrainians eligible for military service residing outside the country will start receiving electronic summonses. The proposed legislation also includes provisions to restrict certain consular services, such as the issuance of new passports, for Ukrainians abroad who lack the necessary military registration documents.
This significant legislative move reflects an effort to modernize and digitize the conscription process, transitioning from traditional paper-based summonses to electronic notifications. By implementing electronic summonses, the authorities aim to enhance efficiency and facilitate a smoother communication channel with eligible citizens living abroad.
Furthermore, the bill introduces measures to link access to specific consular services, like passport issuance, to compliance with military registration requirements. This connection emphasizes the government’s commitment to reinforcing the importance of fulfilling military obligations, even for citizens residing beyond the national borders.
The proposed changes align with the broader strategy of ensuring a comprehensive and organized conscription system. By leveraging technology and integrating consular services with military registration processes, the Ukrainian government seeks to streamline administrative procedures while maintaining a clear link between civic responsibilities and the provision of certain consular benefits.