Ukraine reforms military service to boost recruitment amid war

Ukraine is overhauling its military service to combat significant personnel shortages and make service more appealing to potential recruits. The ongoing war with Russia has led to heavy, though undisclosed, casualties, necessitating a constant influx of new soldiers.

The reforms, spearheaded by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aim to be the "greatest transformation of military service in Ukrainian history." Key changes include increased base pay and guaranteed multi-month leave after combat missions. These measures are designed to address the challenges of conscription, which has become a highly contentious issue.

Historically, Ukraine has relied on mobilizing its draft-eligible population, unlike Russia's predominantly contract-based army. Men aged 23 to 60 are generally eligible for conscription, with the age limit previously set at 18. However, many Ukrainians are reluctant to fight under current conditions, leading tens of thousands to leave the country or go into hiding. Recruitment agencies have resorted to increasingly forceful methods to find new soldiers, with physical altercations sometimes occurring during recruitment drives.