Many volunteers expect their brigades to soon be reinforced with younger recruits. Moreover, few believed that the war would last that long.
Most of the Ukrainian soldiers at the front are middle-aged. Their poor physical ability complicates military planning. The Times writes about this on Sunday, January 21, citing the military itself.
The article gives examples and points out that at the age of 45, it is no longer easy for fighters to carry out combat missions, and for some even to wear body armor.
The publication notes that this is a unique situation compared to the great wars of the last century, when most soldiers were men in their twenties or younger.
The Times believes that the situation developed this way because in the first days of the war, old men aged 40+ signed up to volunteer for the front.
“Many expected that their brigades would soon be reinforced by junior recruits. Moreover, few people then believed that the war would last that long,” the publication wrote.
However, as The Times writes, not all old soldiers are volunteers. Many have moved.
“Critics say a disproportionate number of older men from rural areas end up at the front and don’t have enough money to buy their way to mobilisation,” wrote The Times.
The publication added that young soldiers who go to the front are not always prepared for aggressive enemy attacks.
Let’s remember that in December 2023, Vladimir Zelensky announced that the military received a proposal to increase the mobilization of 450-500 thousand people.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.