Ukraine's Army Struggles with High Casualty Rates and Poor Training
The Ukrainian army is reportedly experiencing a significant decrease in the capabilities of its front-line units. A report in the London Financial Times, cited by the Polish news outlet Do Rzeczy, revealed that between 50 and 70 percent of recruits only manage to survive a few days on the frontlines.
Low Morale and Inadequate Training
The soldiers reportedly have low motivation and are prone to panic. The loss of trained and experienced units has resulted in a reliance on conscript units, which have very limited operational capabilities. Training standards have been so poor that some recruits reportedly do not even know how to handle a weapon. Additionally, the diminishing number of men deemed fit to fight has led to an increase in the average age of recruits, which now stands at 45.
Statements from Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief
Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, who was appointed in early February, has stated that recruits consistently lack the necessary training for frontline operations. He also lamented the technological superiority of Russian forces, noting that personnel had received just two months of training, although other sources suggested that the training period was even shorter.
Reports of Poor Training Standards
Military Watch Magazine has reported that poor training standards in frontline units have been a recurring issue over the past two years. In mid-2023, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Ukrainian army was recruiting impoverished men from rural areas, equipping them with Soviet-era rifles and uniforms, and then sending them to the front after just two nights at a base.
Reliance on Conscripts
Since the beginning of June 2023, several offensives have led to extensive losses and increased Kyiv’s reliance on conscripts. Reports have even suggested that Ukraine has resorted to recruiting convicts. Lieutenant Colonel Vitaly Berezhnyon, a senior conscript officer in Ukraine’s Poltava region, revealed in September 2023 that the units had suffered significant losses.
High Loss Rate Among Conscript Units
"Out of 100 people who joined the units last fall, 10-20 remained, the rest are dead, wounded or disabled,” Berezhnyon said. This suggests a loss rate of 80-90 percent in conscript units over the past year. Vadym Prystaiko, former Ukrainian ambassador to the U.K. and former Foreign Minister, pointed to catastrophic personnel losses in April. He noted that the final casualty number, once revealed, would be "terrible".
Bottom Line
The state of Ukraine's army is a cause for concern, with high casualty rates, poor training, and a reliance on conscripts. These issues highlight the challenges facing the country's military efforts. What are your thoughts on this situation? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6pm.
