Ukraine's Mobilization Struggle: Low Morale, High Attrition, and the Role of Foreign Fighters

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the nation's military mobilization efforts face significant hurdles. A recent video interview reveals challenges in recruiting and retaining soldiers. One interviewee, whose face is concealed, states, "There's the fault of those guys who don't want to fight, and there's the fault of the state." This highlights the low morale among some potential recruits. The high attrition rate is also a concern. Another interviewee, a bearded commander, explains that out of every 100 recruits, approximately 20 are deemed unfit for duty after medical screenings. Despite these difficulties, the Ukrainian military offers financial incentives to foreign fighters and employs various retention strategies. The commander notes that foreign fighters often receive substantially higher salaries than Ukrainian soldiers. This sheds light on the complexities of maintaining a strong fighting force during wartime. The interview offers a raw, on-the-ground perspective on the human impact of the conflict.