Ukrainian troops are largely holding their ground against Russia’s extensive summer offensive, despite the Russian Defense Ministry reporting minor gains along the 1,000-kilometer front line.
Ukraine urgently requires additional military personnel
Although Ukraine has over 1 million individuals in uniform, including the National Guard and other formations, it still requires a greater number.
There have been inquiries regarding how Kyiv is handling the conflict, ranging from an ineffective mobilization effort to the overextension and weakening of frontline troops due to soldiers deserting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a law on Tuesday enabling men in Ukraine who are 60 years or older to opt for agreements with the military.
The legislation enables individuals who wish to offer their expertise and abilities, especially in non-combat or specialized positions.
In February, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense started providing new financial and additional incentives aimed at encouraging men aged 18 to 24 to join the military.
Men within this age range are exempt from the nation’s conscription, which applies to individuals aged 25 to 60.
Ukraine has reduced the conscription age from 27 to 25, yet this change has not been sufficient to refill the military ranks or compensate for losses on the front lines.
More non-combatants are losing their lives
In the meantime, Russia maintained its intensified aerial operations targeting Ukrainian civilian areas, deploying 78 attack drones during the night on Wednesday, including as many as eight newly-created jet-powered drones, according to Ukraine’s air force.
At minimum, five individuals sustained injuries.
The United Nations mission in Ukraine reports a growing pattern of civilian harm caused by Russian attacks this year, with 6,754 civilians killed or injured during the first half of 2025, representing a 54% rise compared to the same period in 2024.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United Nations reports that at least 13,580 Ukrainian civilians, including 716 children, have lost their lives.
