Two years after Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine faces a shortage of soldiers. In addition to a mobilization bill, the country is adopting a more flexible approach to boost troop numbers. The aim is to allow recruits to choose their own unit and job.



Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Ukraine is adopting a novel strategy to address a significant shortfall in its military ranks, a challenge that has persisted two years following Russia's comprehensive invasion of the country. The Ukrainian government is implementing measures beyond the traditional mobilization efforts to increase the numbers of its armed forces. Among these new approaches is a policy allowing potential recruits the flexibility to select their preferred unit and role within the military.

This policy adjustment aims to make military service more appealing to potential recruits by providing them with a semblance of control over their military career. The initiative is part of Ukraine's broader attempt to bolster its troop numbers in response to the ongoing conflict situation with Russia. The adaptive strategy underscores Ukraine's efforts to sustain its defense capabilities amid a prolonged state of warfare.



Ukraine takes new approach to remedy soldiers shortage

An uphill battle, not just to keep fit, but to prepare for a very real one. Philippe Avarenkov is an English teacher in Kyiv. He's decided to join the Ukrainian army. I have lost the meaning of my civil life. Civilian people die, like, every day, and it's not a joke. Once a month, I wake up due to explosions of Russian missiles bombing Kyiv. And in this case, learning programming or becoming a developer or creating a family, it feels like I'm lying to myself. Philippe wants to become a soldier and help defend his country. Instead of waiting for a draft notice that would assign him to a random military unit, Philippe is charting his own path. As part of a bid to boost recruitment, Ukrainians can choose their own military roles. He wants to serve in the Da Vinci Wolves. The prestigious unit only accepts volunteers. It's offering jobs in the infantry and for medics, but also in logistics and drone operations. After an initial five-day camp, applicants can sign a contract and get advanced training. At a time when Ukraine needs more soldiers, fewer people are willing to fight. Many do want to help the war effort, but not only on the front line. The government has turned to the market to help. Vladislav Reziv heads a major online recruitment agency that works with the defense ministry. They advertise thousands of jobs with hundreds of military units, provide information and help with the recruitment process. Here's different forces, ground forces, navy, air forces. They've received over 74,000 applications so far for positions ranging from drivers, mechanics, communication and IT specialists, engineers to assault soldiers and even dog trainers. The whole process is voluntary. For society, for people, it's very important to control their future as much as possible. People want to trust their future commander. They want to know that it will be professional. But this flexible approach has not been enough to address the actual problem of boosting troop numbers at the front. Vladislav admits the biggest vacancies are in the infantry and medical corps. Back near the recruitment center, Philip is happy with how his interview went. He hopes to sign up soon and spur on others to do the same. It's difficult to imagine how horrible war is unless you live in Ukraine. I want to encourage my friends with my own example that Ukrainian people have to join army otherwise we will lose our country. Philip says being able to choose the unit he trusts was the reason he volunteered. A soft approach that helped him make a hard decision.

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Ukraine Invasion