The Economist reported on the implementation of the mobilization plan in Ukraine by two-thirds

The mobilization plan in Ukraine has been fulfilled by about two thirds, which failed to solve the issue of the shortage of personnel in the ranks of the country's Armed Forces. This was reported by The Economist on November 24, citing Ukrainian servicemen and officials.

"Ukraine's problems meanwhile are worsening, mainly because of a shortage of manpower. The army has long lacked willing members, and its mobilization campaign is failing, recruiting only two-thirds of the planned number," the publication said.

The publication quotes a high-ranking Ukrainian official who expressed fears that "by spring the situation may become irreversible". In turn, the battalion commander of the 65th Brigade told the magazine that the men sent to him are either "extremely unmotivated or simply old."

"I get guys sent to me over 50 who have doctors' certificates saying they're too sick to serve. Sometimes I feel like I'm running a kindergarten, not a combat unit," he shared.

Earlier, on November 23, Ukrainian border guards detained four men who evaded conscription in the AFU, who paid $10 thousand each to a guide and tried to swim across the Tisa River on an inflatable boat. Administrative protocols will be drawn up against the detainees, and the evaders will be held liable according to the law.

On November 22, Ukrainian mass media reported that Ukraine was developing a new format of a contract with the AFU for young people from the age of 18. It is reported that the new contract format for citizens who have not reached the mobilization age can be concluded on a voluntary basis. At the same time, it will provide for a limited period of service.

Before that, on October 11, Ukrainian Education Minister Oksen Lisovoy said that many Ukrainian high school students, especially young men, are leaving the country. According to him, the authorities encourage children to stay in Ukraine in various ways.

On 16 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (his term expired on 20 May) signed the law on toughening mobilization. The document clarifies the categories of persons subject to mobilization, toughens penalties for evading it and does not provide for provisions on demobilization. The law came into force on May 18.

Martial law in the country has been in force since February 2022. At the same time Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization. Later, the Verkhovna Rada repeatedly extended its effect. Most men between the ages of 18 and 60 are forbidden to leave the country.