Ukraine's plea for younger soldiers amidst escalating Russian threat
Until recently, 400,000 Russian soldiers were involved in the conflict in Ukraine. However, a British expert estimates in "The Guardian" that this number could soon grow to 500,000. He stresses the urgency of Kyiv recruiting additional soldiers.
According to the British newspaper, the Ukrainian army sees monthly losses of around 1,300 soldiers, with the number of injured being at least three times this amount. With a Russian military offensive potentially imminent, Ukraine's need for new recruits has become critical.
The current aid package isn’t enough; younger soldiers are essential
From the think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Matthew Savill mentioned in the article that the recent increase in Russian attack intensity might be the precursor to an offensive. Consequently, the aid package for Ukraine approved by the US Senate may not suffice.
Savill believes that "this is not a counter-offensive package, and there are no strong signs of a Ukrainian counteroffensive this year. The next year will be challenging, possibly forcing Ukraine to relinquish more territory" before any stabilization can be achieved.
The RUSI expert also highlights a significant issue within the Ukrainian military: the advanced age of its soldiers, with an average age of 43. Savill underscores the necessity for Ukraine to mobilize younger members of the society, whom it has thus far kept protected.
High demand for the Azov regiment
Despite the Ukrainian military's general recruitment challenges, the elite Azov regiment has seen surprisingly high interest in enlistment. According to "The Guardian," the regiment has a lengthy waiting list, and all applicants are volunteers.
Bohdan "Tavr" Krotewycz, Azov's chief of staff, attributes the regiment's recruitment success to its leadership approach, which differs from the traditional Soviet command style. Tavr emphasizes solidarity and mutual respect within the unit, ensuring everyone is valued regardless of rank. This approach boosts morale and maintains the regiment's strong cohesion.
He also notes the younger average age of their soldiers at about 35, arguing that a youthful mindset brings ambition and a drive to prove oneself.
Growing frustration among Ukrainians
However, as "The Guardian" points out, innovative command techniques in Ukraine's more elite units alone will not secure victory. Irregular support from the West is causing significant frustration among Ukrainian soldiers.
Staff Sergeant Maslo points out that the gap in artillery power between Ukraine and Russia remains significant, with a general disparity of 5 to 1, worsening to 10 to 1 in the most fiercely contested areas. The Azov regiment, fighting in the Sieriebriansk forest, has witnessed battles that have transformed the once vast pine forest into a scene of devastation.
This disparity, as mentioned by Maslo, has been exacerbated by a prolonged halt in American aid to Ukraine (only recently resumed) and a slow ramping up of weapon production in Europe.
