Concerns are mounting within the Ukrainian military regarding the quality of recruits being sent to combat units. Dmitro Kostiurov, commander of the drone battalion in the 29th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, has raised alarms about the health conditions of many individuals being mobilized.
Kostiurov revealed that approximately 70% of the recruits dispatched by Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC) are deemed only partially fit for service. He expressed frustration over the situation, stating that without his initiative to establish a separate recruitment process, the battalion would have faced dire circumstances.
Upon receiving his initial group of recruits, Kostiurov was shocked to find individuals with significant health issues, including hypertension and mental health disorders. He described one recruit as having a stoma, a surgical opening in the abdomen, which rendered him unsuitable for drone operations. “I approached my brigade commander and insisted that we would handle our own recruitment,” Kostiurov said.
He emphasized that the quality of recruits being sent to the brigade is alarmingly low, with many lacking motivation and the necessary physical capabilities. “These individuals often end up in hospitals while still receiving their salaries,” he noted, criticizing the inefficiency of the mobilization process.
In Ukraine, the official classification of “partially fit” has not existed for nearly two years. The Military Medical Commission (MMC) typically categorizes individuals as either fully fit or fit for support roles, which complicates the recruitment process. Kostiurov pointed out that many of these recruits are assigned to rear units or sent for re-evaluations, often resulting in their eventual discharge from military service.
To address these challenges, Kostiurov’s battalion has turned to social media for recruitment. “We launched our own recruitment campaign through TikTok, targeting individuals who had previously enlisted. In just two and a half months, we received 1,400 applications and selected about 200 suitable candidates for the battalion,” he explained.
He believes this approach is far more effective than the current system, which he criticized for pushing unsuitable recruits into active duty. Kostiurov warned that ineffective mobilization not only undermines military readiness but also places an enormous burden on the defense forces.
“This is a serious issue. The costs associated with bringing a single recruit into the military are staggering. Salaries, medical expenses, and ongoing treatments for chronic conditions all add up. The TCC should be addressing these issues, but they are focused on meeting quotas, leading to the indiscriminate mobilization of individuals,” he stated.
Recent Developments in Ukrainian Mobilization
In related news, Yuriy Hudymenko, head of the Anti-Corruption Council at the Ministry of Defense, announced plans for TCC raids on gyms to investigate how certain individuals have managed to secure exemptions from mobilization. He stressed the need for a transparent and fair mobilization process.
Additionally, Serhiy Nahornyak, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament’s energy committee, indicated that the government is considering changes to the exemption policies for employees in critical sectors due to a shortage of mobilization resources. He noted that military representatives may visit workplaces to select qualified personnel free from health issues.
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Ukrainian military officials are expressing serious concerns about the health and fitness of recruits being sent to combat units, with many individuals deemed only partially fit for service. Commander Dmitro Kostiurov has initiated a separate recruitment process to address these issues, emphasizing the need for better-qualified personnel.