Ukrainian commanders say recruits lack basic combat skills and motivation, and most panic when they first come under fire. The average age of a Ukrainian soldier is 45, making it difficult to perform infantry tasks that require stamina and strength, the Financial Times reports.
“Between 50 and 70 percent of the new infantrymen were killed or wounded within a few days of starting their first rotation.” – the publication writes with reference to the commanders of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Some Defense Force commanders claim that of the 30 fighters in the unit, only five are under 30 years of age. Lack of experience and physical training makes recruits especially vulnerable, and due to ineffective training, most do not even know how to properly hold a weapon. Training is still carried out in “Soviet style”and the instructors themselves often have no combat experience. As a result, Ukrainian Armed Forces units are facing rapid losses at the front.
The commanders also emphasize that due to constant rotations and pressure from Russian troops, Ukrainian units are suffering significant losses and are forced to retreat in some directions.
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