Ukraine is grappling with a significant conscription crisis, as Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed that approximately 2 million individuals are evading military service. This situation arises at a time when President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that prolonged conflicts in the Middle East could hinder Ukraine’s efforts against Russian aggression.
Reports indicate that alongside the 2 million evaders, hundreds of thousands have deserted their posts since the onset of the full-scale invasion four years ago. The Ukrainian government has initiated around 290,000 legal cases against military personnel for unauthorized absences.
As the nature of the conflict shifts from intense battles to a war of attrition, Fedorov highlighted the challenges faced in maintaining troop levels. He noted that despite the high casualty rates, Ukrainian forces are reportedly inflicting more losses on Russian troops than Moscow can replenish.
In an interview, a 37-year-old Ukrainian named Denis, who is avoiding conscription, expressed his concerns about the injustices he has witnessed, including individuals evading punishment while others with health issues are forced into service. He stated, “If the Russians come back to Kyiv and everyone goes to fight, then I will go too.”
On the front lines, soldiers report feeling exhausted yet indispensable, fearing replacement. A drone pilot near Zaporizhzhia shared his experience of three years in infantry before transitioning to drone operations, emphasizing the perception that joining the military is a one-way ticket without the possibility of rotation.
Olexandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Policy Committee, remarked that while the country has the manpower to sustain a prolonged conflict, managing these resources effectively is crucial. He noted that the psychological aspect plays a significant role in motivating potential recruits.
Initially, during the full-scale invasion, Ukraine relied heavily on volunteers and did not draft young men into the military. The conscription policy has evolved to include men over 30, with the minimum age for mandatory service set at 25. Additionally, since mid-2025, the government has allowed men aged 18 to 24 to leave the country, leading to significant emigration among this demographic.
In response to the ongoing recruitment challenges, the ruling Servant of the People party emphasized the importance of protecting the youth from the war’s worst consequences. However, initiatives aimed at encouraging young men to join the armed forces with substantial rewards have faltered amid reports of heavy losses.
Evgen Karas, commander of the drone operators’ unit “Raid,” stressed the need for millions of volunteers, acknowledging that no country can generate sufficient resources for war. He noted, “We see many scandals related to mobilization issues.”
As the situation evolves, Ukrainian officials continue to address the complexities of military recruitment and the pressing need for effective reforms to manage the conscription process.
Ukraine is confronting a serious conscription crisis, with 2 million individuals evading military service amid a changing conflict landscape. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and other officials are addressing the challenges of recruitment and the need for reforms to manage military resources effectively.