In todays Ukraine military service talks make people nervous — especially men aged 25-60 dont want to discuss this topic (because their friends and family members are fighting or died in combat)
The government uses un-expected ways to find new soldiers: Marcoʼs brother-in-law got stopped by traffic police with recruitment officers near Kyiv. They checked his docs found issues with medical papers and within 24hrs sent him to boot-camp
The army needs more people: Ukraine has about 900k soldiers while Russia has 1‚5m troops plus around 3k North-Korean fighters. Some Ukrainian units fight non-stop since 02/2022 with no proper breaks which isnt good for morale
The Defense Ministry tries different ways to get volunteers:
- Money rewards up-to 3‚600$ for signing up
- Choice of military unit to serve with family
- Special positions based on skills
- Medical squad commander roles for women
Theres a lot of fear—thats understandable. You have to take into account that theres not a person in this country whose life hasnt been turned upside down by the war
People feel un-happy about new rules: the military tax went up from 1‚5% to 5%; recruitment officers check papers on streets; and medical commissions help some avoid service for bribes. President Zelensky said hell close these medical boards by years end
In Kyiv life looks normal — gyms are full young people go to cafes but Kostyna thinks this will change: “Our military needs reinforcements in the field and funds for its operations.“ She says people will accept this because Russian victory would be much worse