Ukraine's army faces serious challenges on the eastern front, where undertrained recruits are causing problems for commanders. Many of them do not want to shoot at the enemy, and some even leave the battlefield, which leads to losses of territories, writes the Associated Press in its material.
"Some of them don't want to shoot. They see the enemy in a firing position in the trenches, but do not open fire. ... This is why our men are dying," said a frustrated battalion commander in Ukraine's 47th brigade. "When they do not use the weapon, they are ineffective."
Commanders point out that recruits are not sufficiently prepared for complex combat tasks and often lack coordination in their actions. As a result of these shortcomings, Russian forces were able to advance, especially in key regions such as Pokrovsk.
To stabilize the situation, Ukrainian commanders are organizing their own mobilization campaigns to attract better trained soldiers. However, Russian forces are using new tactics, such as sending small groups of soldiers that are difficult to detect and neutralize by Ukrainian drones.
Ukraine is reportedly recruiting tens of thousands of fighters a month since the implementation of a controversial new mobilization law in May that established clearer regulations for territorial recruitment centers. The greatest demand is in the infantry.
However, logistical hurdles arise in training, equipping and paying so many incoming recruits, and commanders are constantly calling for new soldiers. To relieve this pressure, military leaders had to take units from brigades in one region and transfer them to different areas to stabilize weak spots.
The Russian offensive is accompanied by heavy losses, but continues to put pressure on the Ukrainian defensive lines. If Pokrovsk falls, it could facilitate a Russian advance on important cities such as Slavyansk and Kostantinovka, and lead to serious strategic consequences for Ukraine.
Despite the difficulties on the eastern front, the Ukrainian army is also continuing its advance into Russia, but with limited success. However, the fighting in the Pokrovsk region is becoming increasingly intense, with local authorities even ordering the evacuation of residents.
Ukraine's military faces serious challenges in trying to hold ground and counter the Russian advance as commanders seek to improve training and motivation for new fighters.