Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klychko said Ukraine faces a severe shortage of soldiers, pointing to a record exodus of men to Europe amid a four‑year war with Russia.
Record Exodus of Men Fuels Soldier Shortage
Vitaliy Klychko stated that a record number of men are fleeing to Europe, exacerbating Ukraine’s already acute shortage of soldiers and human resources.
Suggested Lowering of Mobilization Age
According to Ukraine’s mobilization law, men under 25 years are liable for service. Klychko proposed lowering the threshold to 22 or 23 years, highlighting that the army historically served 18‑year‑olds, which are still children.
Frontline Pressure Mounts in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia
Russian forces have increased activity in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia, capturing three towns in the latter region. Ukrainian troops are attempting to repel attacks near Pokrovska, Ołeksandriwki, Równopola, and Jabłukowe.
Russian Gains and Ukrainian Countermeasures
General Olxandr Sirskyi reported that in three days, the Russian army lost 800 soldiers and over a hundred vehicles in the “South” operational grouping. Ukraine employs active defense, pushing back and immediately counterattacking to eliminate retreating enemy groups, noting that many front lines remain difficult but not critical.