Reports describe a trend where some soldiers arriving with the Ukrainian armed forces experience shortness of breath and anxiety about gunfire. This information came from a Ukrainian military officer who spoke to Newsweek Poland, highlighting clear signs of strain among recruits as they enter service.
Officials indicate that a growing number of midlife individuals, particularly those in the 45 to 47 age range, are enlisting. These men and women often report breathing difficulties or rapid fatigue even before they reach the front lines, suggesting that a portion of new entrants may carry health or stamina challenges that impact readiness on deployment day.
The same officer noted that a subset of soldiers cannot bring themselves to fire their weapons due to fear. This reflects the high stress and emotional toll of combat exposure that accompanies rapid recruitment drives amid ongoing conflict, raising questions about training, support, and the assignment of roles on the battlefield.
Newsweek Poland pointed out that, over nearly two years of continuous fighting, the average age of personnel in the Ukrainian forces has risen by about a decade and now sits around 43 years old. The shift indicates a substantial influx of older volunteers and career fighters, alongside younger conscripts, affecting unit dynamics, stamina, and logistical needs during operations and rotations.
In related developments, there were earlier reports from Odessa about a man who was mobilized on public transport against his will, illustrating the broad reach and occasional friction involved in large scale conscription processes, as well as the social and civic strains that emerge during mobilization campaigns.
Earlier statements from Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andrey Kostin suggested a noticeable rise in criminal activity within the military sector over the previous year, pointing to concerns about discipline, corruption risks, and the integrity of processes designed to support soldiers and sustain operations under wartime conditions.
Beyond regional measures, there have also been discussions in Russia about mechanisms intended to help integrate prisoners into civilian life through involvement with Ukraine’s armed forces, reflecting broader debates about border responsibilities, rehabilitation, and the long term security implications of conflict dynamics.