The AFU named the necessary number of mobilized for the counteroffensive

Kiev needs to mobilize at least 1.8m people to be able to launch a counter-offensive. This was stated by a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Yevgeny Ievlev on air of the TV channel "Kyiv 24".

"We need at least 1.8 million mobilized to attack," he said, referring to military textbooks.

According to the military officer, the Ukrainian army's combat units are currently depleted, Gazeta.Ru added.

Earlier in the day it was reported that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine prohibited to remove from the military registration of men who are recognized as completely unfit for military service for health reasons. It was specified that the relevant order was issued by the ministry back in October.

Also on Wednesday, Oleksandr Mikhalko, a captured Ukrainian army fighter, said that employees of territorial manning centers in Ukraine ignore health problems of mobilized men. According to the military officer, he was forcibly taken into the AFU service when he was undergoing rehabilitation after being treated for tuberculosis, despite his explanations about his health condition.

Martial law has been in effect in the country since February 2022. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (term of office expired on May 20) signed a decree on general mobilization. Later, the Verkhovna Rada repeatedly extended its effect. Most men aged between 18 and 60 are forbidden to leave the country.