It was a drizzly afternoon in Kovel, a city of western Ukraine. A silver-haired man in military fatigues prepared to board an eastbound train to the front. His young grandson clung to his knees, not wanting to let go. “Come on Dima, say goodbye to grandad,” said the boy’s mother as she pulled him away. As the train disappeared over the horizon, the tearful family waved goodbye from the platform.
Such emotional farewells have become the norm in Ukraine, an overburdened and dwindling army increasingly relying on older men. With the war against Russia nearing its third year and apprehension over Donald Trump’s impending U.S. presidency, a critical manpower shortage presents a major challenge for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite pressure from the Biden administration to lower the mobilization age from 25 to 18, Zelenskyy resisted, citing concerns over the sending of younger men to battle in a nation that is already grappling with demographic crisis.
Anonymous Ukrainian officers shared alarming information with the press about the state of the army. A soldier from the 114th Territorial Defense Brigade said, “The people we get now are not like the people who were there in the beginning of the war.” He told that recently 90 recruits were received who were combat-ready only as 24, and most of the rest were pensioners, unfit, and alcoholics.
Compounding the problem, air defense units are being ordered to send personnel to the frontlines as infantry, leaving critical defenses undermanned. “It’s reaching a critical level where we can’t be sure that air defense can function properly,” warned an officer, citing risks to Ukraine’s security.
While initial waves of volunteers answered the call in 2022, recent mobilization efforts have faced public resistance. Recruitment squads distributing call-up notices are often met with hostility. A Razumkov Centre poll revealed that 46% of Ukrainians now believe avoiding military service is not shameful, underscoring shifting attitudes.
Despite U.S. calls for a lower mobilization age, many Ukrainian soldiers argue that better incentives and training—not younger recruits—are key. “Eighteen-year-olds are still children,” said a soldier, suggesting that raising morale and improving conditions could yield better results.
