Title: Operation Kuba: Unveiling the Frontlines – A Close Look at Ukraine's 18-24 Year-old Conscripts
Young Ukrainian trainees' drive attributed to financial incentives in military preparation
In a stunning twist, Russia alleges a thwarted drone attack against Moscow on May 5th, just a couple of days before the 9th of May celebrations, honoring the WWII victory over Nazi Germany. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism about Vladimir Putin's proposed three-day truce for the occasion. The tension escalates as both nations resist their efforts towards peace.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military is tackling its recruitment shortage with an intriguing initiative called the "youth contract," reserved for firecrackers aged 18 to 24. Trained under the guidance of seasoned soldiers, these volunteers commit to a year in the army, earning several incentives along the way.
We slip into the shoes of one of the 70,000 women brave enough to stand on the front lines—Kuba. Our journey begins at Droujkivka, nestled in eastern Ukraine, about an hour's drive from Russia’s border. As we step into the urban training ground, our senses are inundated with stern barking orders and the metallic clang of firearms.
"Move! Move! Take control of the upper floors!" bellowed a soldier from the 28th Brigade, as a wave of eager recruits proceeded towards a dilapidated building, their bodies hunched, assault rifles clutched tight. The day’s mission? Learning how to conduct an assault in an urban environment.
Amidst the recruits was Zakhariy, a 24-year-old from Jytomyr, whose movements slightly wobbled from the training. "There's a pressing urgency to learn these skills. After all, we're not intended for trench duty—we're here to reclaim our lost territories," he explained.
The attack was intense— live-fire exercises and simulated grenade explosions filled the air. After an exhausting battle, the future soldiers received debriefing critiques. Zakhariy sat disheartened amidst his fallen comrades. " Initially we were allocated into groups, but chaos took over. I was left alone and exposed. Our strategy was flawed and it was tough to see things unfold like this."
The instructors weren't gentle in their appraisals. "You were 20, only four remained, what the hell is happening?! Communication! Communication! Communication!" Vlad, the instructor, roared, "You bunch are so engrossed in your phones and computers that you forget this isn't a game! If you don’t work together, you'll die!"
After two grueling months of training, these young volunteers will transition from trainee to combatant. They'll assume roles as radio operators, grenade launchers, scouts, or cannon fodder. An annual salary of €20,000 (split into three instalments) greets them, excluding frontline bonuses, which nearly quadruple the average Ukrainian salary. "Frankly, my motivation is mainly the financial rewards and the zero-interest loan for the apartment," Zakhariy candidly admitted.
Bogdan, a 20-year-old from Kiev, joined the ranks with travel as his prime motivator. "I've never ventured beyond Ukrainian borders. I yearn to see Spain," he longed. After completing his contract, he'll have the freedom to roam the world—a luxury unavailable to most Ukrainians during this ongoing conflict.
Ukraine's age pyramid mirrors a dip amongst 18-24 year-olds, as fewer young adults are willing to risk their lives. But the government has taken a cautious approach, opting for voluntary enlistment rather than mandatory conscription. The brigades entice combatants with tales of heroism and memorial videos of life at the frontlines. The 28th Brigade, for instance, proudly boasts holding onto 16 kilometers of the frontlines single-handedly—far exceeding their assigned 10 kilometers.
Despite the promised scholarships and medical care, older volunteers who enlisted earlier are disappointed about the lack of special treatment. However, Ukraine is racing against the clock to boost military strength. The government seeks to:
- Lower the average age of soldiers
- Improve rotations to ease pressure on those at the front
- Create leverage over 25-40-year-olds
But the success of this "youth contract" initiative is uncertain. " Of course I'm frightened, even the soldiers at the front are anxious. Death lurks around every corner," confided Bogdan, still contemplating a military career.
Behind their intimidating gear, these greenhorns mask their adolescent inexperience. Rumyn, a former Credit Agricole director in Odessa, now oversees the 28th Brigade's training programs. " If someone isn't ready, we'll provide extra training. But it's better if they express their reservations now, or else, on the battlefield, they'll make mistakes and they might not survive. Our sole purpose is to ensure their survival."
Anticipating only 500 volunteers in less than three months, a battalion's worth of combatants, the government hoped for a more significant increase in this program. The future of Ukraine's war efforts hangs in the balance.
The recruits, like Zakhariy and Bogdan, receive an annual salary of €20,000 for their service, a significant financial incentive for the 18-24 year-olds joining Ukraine's military through the "youth contract." Despite the danger, Rumyn, the training director, emphasizes the importance of financial support for the volunteers, stating, "Frankly, my motivation is mainly the financial rewards and the zero-interest loan for the apartment."
