Ukraine Initiates New Draft as Russian Offensives Intensify

The recruitment announcement comes as Russian forces fully capture strategic locations in eastern Donetsk, pushing Ukraine's military to respond with a significant mobilization of personnel and heightened measures against draft evasion.

Ukraine's military is gearing up for a substantial recruitment drive, announcing plans to draft an additional 160,000 troops in response to recent territorial gains made by Russia in the eastern Donetsk region. On Tuesday, it was reported that Russian forces have fully captured the mining town of Selydove, intensifying the pressure on Ukraine's military, which is struggling to match Russia's manpower and resources.

Oleksandr Lytvynenko, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security Council, informed parliament that the recruitment would take place over a span of three months. This mobilization effort occurs concurrently with Ukraine’s ongoing military operations in the Kursk region of Russia, which began in August. U.S. intelligence suggests that around 10,000 North Korean troops are currently undergoing training in eastern Russia, with a smaller contingent reportedly dispatched to the Kursk area.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not deny the arrival of North Korean troops in support of Russia’s efforts against Ukraine, placing additional strains on Ukraine's defense capabilities. Following the Ukrainian parliament's legislation in April aimed at enhancing troop mobilization, every male aged 25 to 60 is now required to register on an electronic database for potential call-up. This measure has led many men, fearful of conscription, to evade registration.

The urgency of this mobilization is underscored by recent Russian claims of complete control over Selydove and its surrounding areas, as Moscow sets its sights on capturing the strategically vital city of Pokrovsk, situated only 18 kilometers away. As the war escalates, Ukraine's military continues to face considerable challenges in countering Russia's offensive advancement in the region.