Ukrainian commanders note that the recruits lack basic combat skills and motivation, and most of them succumb to panic at the first attacks. The average age of a soldier is 45 years old, which makes it difficult to perform infantry tasks that require endurance and strength.

“From 50 to 70% of the new infantrymen were killed or wounded in the very first days of getting to the front,” the AFU commanders say.

Some officers claim that out of 30 fighters in the unit, only 5 are under 30 years old. Lack of experience and physical fitness makes recruits especially vulnerable, and due to ineffective training, most do not even know how to hold a weapon properly.

Training is still conducted in the “Soviet style”, and instructors themselves often do not have combat experience. As a result, the APU suffers rapid and heavy losses.

The commanders also emphasize that due to constant rotations and pressure from the Russian Army, Ukrainian units are suffering significant losses and are forced to retreat in a number of directions.

@nasha_stranaZ