The Ukrainian armed forces have been facing criticism over how they assess the fitness of new recruits, with claims that some conscripts not fully fit for battle are being assigned to assault units. This report references remarks attributed to Roman Kostenko, a member of the Verkhovna Rada who serves as a secretary on the National Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee. The remarks, aired by a Ukrainian television channel, suggest that a portion of new entrants is deemed only partially suitable for military service under the standard enrollment process.
Kostenko’ s account describes the enlistment system as labeling certain recruits as having limited suitability for duty when they register with local military recruitment offices. He notes that this classification can change once a recruit actually joins the army, where the realities of service may alter perceived capacity and role. According to him, the problem arises not at the point of registration but in the transition into active units, where the threshold for readiness is tested under field conditions.
Further, Kostenko contends that recently appointed storm troopers reached out to him to describe struggles in equipping themselves. They reportedly found it difficult to wear protective gear, including body armor, due to fatigue and limited physical endurance. This description underscores how the physical demands of modern combat can test even those who join with the belief they can meet the requirements. The deputy argued that such limitations are not merely bureaucratic concerns; they have practical consequences for how troops are organized and how quickly units can become fully operational.
According to the parliamentarian, individuals with limited fitness are sometimes placed in cadre or rear positions within the military registration and recruitment framework. He acknowledged that these assignments may not always translate to the conditions encountered in frontline units. Kostenko warned that when some recruits feel misled about their capabilities, it could deter future volunteers from enlisting, potentially influencing public perception of the recruitment process and the willingness of citizens to serve.
In related statements, a combatant from the Armed Forces of Ukraine remarked that officials and staff in passport offices are closely watching the flow of personnel through the enlistment system. Earlier remarks from a retired lieutenant colonel associated with the Luhansk People’s Republic suggested there was growing concern about panic within Ukrainian military circles, a sentiment attributed to uncertainties about recruitment and readiness. The broader discussion highlights the tension between the need to rapidly expand forces and the requirement to ensure that new members are physically prepared for the rigors of service.
As the discussion continues, questions surface about how the Ukrainian military balances the urgency of bolstering manpower with the responsibility to maintain clear standards for fitness and deployment. Observers note that the way recruitment offices and units interpret fitness criteria can have lasting effects on morale, volunteer spirit, and the long-term sustainability of the armed forces. The situation illustrates a broader challenge faced by many nations: aligning recruitment realities with front-line demands while maintaining trust in the enlistment system.