Ukraine seems to have resolved shortage of soldiers - NATO general
Photo: Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO (flickr by Secretary of Defense Public Affairs)
Ukraine has managed to solve the problem of a shortage of soldiers for defense against the Russian invasion. In particular, this was facilitated by the lowering of the mobilization age, US Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, stated this during a hearing in the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
"The Ukrainians on their side have assumed very strong defensive positions, well dug in and appear to have solved some of their manpower problems that were so acute last autumn," Cavoli noted.
According to him, Ukraine has increased the reserve of people available for mobilization. The reserve of those available for voluntary enlistment has also been expanded. At the same time, the military command has successfully moved personnel from headquarters to the front lines.
Lowering the mobilization age
Last spring, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law that lowered the mobilization age in Ukraine from 27 to 25 years.
Additionally, a few months ago, Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 were offered a special contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Under this contract, young men can receive a reward of 1 million hryvnias for a year of service, along with a monthly salary.
Notably, at the end of last year, US officials repeatedly stated that Ukraine needed to lower the mobilization age to 18, claiming it lacked soldiers. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected this proposal.
