Fresh, Unbiased Reporting on the Frontlines of Conflict
War Fundament: Monetary Incentives Driving Training of Youth Ukrainian Combatants
In a turbulent turn of events, Russia asserted that it repelled a Ukrainian drone attack aimed at Moscow early on May 5th, just a few days before the grand celebrations commemorating the 9th of May - the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. President Vladimir Putin had proposed a three-day truce for the occasion, which Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed as implausible.
Meanwhile, on the ground in Ukraine, we found ourselves in the midst of "Kuba," one of the 70,000 women bearing arms on the battlefront. Seeking to combat dwindling ranks, the Ukrainian army conjured a "youth contract" in February, an opportunity exclusive to 18-24 year-olds, founded on voluntary enlistment.
Fighting to Regain Our Territories
For the first time, a brigade opened its doors to us for a training session for the new recruits bound for the warfront. This training took place in Droujkivka, a town north of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, less than 50 kilometers from the Russian border. "Come on, come on, come on! Control the upper floors!", a soldier from the 28th Brigade roared as the young trainees sprinted towards the building in packs, rifles at the ready. The day's regimen consisted of learning how to conduct an assault in an urban environment. The future soldiers needed to dislodge their instructors ensconced in a derelict building in the city center.
Among the trainees was Zakhariy, a 24-year-old from Jytomyr. He listens and makes adjustments to his firing position, still somewhat unpolished in his movements. "It's essential to learn because afterwards we won't be hiding in trenches: we'll have to fight to reclaim our territories. So we must learn how to move correctly in a city and eradicate the enemy effectively," he shared.
Ready at Zero Rate and 20,000 Euros
Following two exhausting assaults, with plaster grenades and airsoft gunfire, it was time for the post-operation analysis. Not impressive for Zakhariy, who was among the many dropped from the game quickly. "Before the assault, we had a group assignment, but then everything changed. I was supposed to have someone following me, but I found myself alone, exposed and without assistance. Our attack wasn't well planned. It's quite unsettling that it happened this way, but that's how it is!", he lamented.
Vlad, the instructor, didn't shy away from expressing his displeasure. "You were 20, there are only four left, what the hell is going on?!", he bellowed, "We've been telling you: 'communication, communication, communication'. But because of your phones, your computers, you only know how to communicate using emojis! This isn't a game, damn it! If you don't work together, you're going to be eliminated!"
After two months of rigorous training, or slightly more, the volunteers morph into cannon fodder, radio operators, grenade launchers, or scouts. Annual earnings: 20,000 euros, split into three installments, minus bonus pay for active duty, nearly four times the average salary in Ukraine. "Honestly, my motivation is principally the money," Zakhariy admitted.
The Allure of Adventure and Economics
It's a pretty tempting sum, not to mention the interest-free loan towards an apartment—a rare opportunity for someone like Zakhariy who doesn't own a home yet. But it's not only the money that appeals to him. "It's also about defending our homeland, it's our duty," he added.
Bogdan, a 20-year-old from Kiev, shares a similar aspiration, tinged with the desire for travel. "I've never left my country. I'd really love to visit Spain," he says. After his one-year commitment, he'll be able to cross borders with ease, a privilege difficult to come by in Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, men under 60 have been prohibited from leaving the country.
The age pyramid in Ukraine reveals a deficit among 18-24 year-olds. They are fewer in number than others, and fewer still willing to confront the risks. Yet, the government choses to avoid mandatory conscription for now, preferring to rely on volunteers. The brigades showcasing the program are active on YouTube and Telegram, enticing potential recruits with stories of their triumphs on the battlefield and everyday life in the videos. The 28th brigade, for instance, likes to remind everyone that it held 16 kilometers of the front line alone, exceeding the assigned 10 kilometers.
Less Than 500 Recruits
The Ukrainian government is eager for younger recruits to alleviate the pressure on the battlefront, improve troop rotations, and bolster morale among older soldiers. However, only around 500 young volunteers have signed up for the 18-24 year-old contract, falling far short of the government's aspirations for a significant increase in enlistment in the coming months.
- Despite the mandatory soldier salary of nearly four times the average Ukrainian wage, only around 500 young volunteers have signed up for the 18-24 year-old contract.
- In an attempt to combat dwindling ranks and improve troop rotations, the Ukrainian government relies on volunteers rather than enforcing mandatory conscription.
- Zakhariy, a 24-year-old trainee, admits that his motivation to fight for Ukraine includes not only defending his homeland but also the allure of the significant financial incentive offered.
