Ukraine announced plans yesterday to carry out reforms of the army this summer to address problems with infantry shortages and the discharge of the longest-serving soldiers, four years into a grinding war with Russia in which talks have stalled.
Despite an initial influx of volunteers, Ukraine’s military has been significantly outmanned throughout the war since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Manpower shortages have become an even more pressing issue as enthusiasm for service has waned amid reports of poor training and support, as well as heavy-handed draft officers.
“Now, in May, all key details will be finalised. In June, the reform will begin – and the first results must already be delivered in June,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram.
He promised higher pay for the infantry, one of the least desirable and most dangerous roles, with troops on the front line exposed to non-stop drone attacks.
“A Ukrainian infantryman who holds the front line must feel that our state truly respects him,” Zelenskiy said.
With US-mediated peace talks stalled, Zelenskiy has said Ukraine must be ready to fight on if a deal cannot be reached.
Military analysts estimate that more than a million people are serving in the defence of Ukraine. Conscription and military issues, including pay and length of service, are divisive in Ukrainian society and are politically sensitive.
Mykhailo Fedorov, who was named defence minister in January with a mandate to improve mobilisation and deal with draft evasion, said the changes announced yesterday amounted to a “systemic” transformation of the army.
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