Ukraine's military faces a dire situation as Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reveals a staggering crisis. An estimated 200,000 soldiers have gone AWOL, and 2 million are dodging draft, putting the country's defense at grave risk. This revelation comes as a shock, as rumors of low morale and desertions have long circulated, but the scale of the problem was never officially disclosed. The Ukrainian military, already strained by years of conflict against a formidable enemy, is now grappling with a manpower crisis. All men between 18 and 60 are legally obligated to register with the military and carry their documents, but the draft's reach extends only to those aged 25 to 60. Despite this, tens of thousands have illegally fled the country, highlighting the depth of the issue. President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledges the need for broader changes to the mobilization process, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in the face of manpower shortages. Fedorov, the youngest Defense Minister in Ukraine's history, is committed to strengthening the military's technological component, recognizing that technological progress can mitigate the loss of lives. With 500 drone-producing companies, 200 jamming equipment manufacturers, and over 20 privately-owned missile producers, Ukraine is making strides in military technology. However, the challenge of maintaining morale and addressing desertions remains a critical concern, as the country continues to fight for its survival.
