Ukraine is experiencing a deepening crisis in military recruitment, as an increasing number of men leave for European countries, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned in an interview with Global Reporter Network.
“Today we face serious difficulties in filling the ranks of the army,” Klitschko said, highlighting the severe impact that years of war have had on the country’s ability to replenish its forces after nearly four years of continuous conflict.
According to him, Russian troops continue to advance steadily.
“Their attacks look like a computer game, they keep coming without stopping and without regard for their own losses,” said the Kyiv mayor.
Klitschko suggested lowering the recruitment age from the current 25 to 23 or even 22.
“In the past, 18-year-olds served in the army, but they are children,” he said.
“Right now, in Ukraine, you can only be mobilized from the age of 25. This age could be lowered by a year or two, to 23 or 22,” the mayor added.
He also expressed concern about the growing exodus of young Ukrainians. A government decree issued in August, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country, coincided with a noticeable increase in applications for temporary protection in EU countries.
