Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Ukrainian Youth Recruits Face Heavy Losses
Many young Ukrainians, aged 18 to 24, joined the army to fight against Russia.
They were promised good pay and benefits.
However, out of 11 recruits tracked, none are still fighting.
Some were hurt, some are missing, and one even took his own life.
The war is very tough, and these young soldiers are facing a lot of pain and loss.
Their families and friends are also suffering, not knowing what happened to their loved ones.
The Ukrainian army is struggling because many soldiers are getting old, and they need young people to fight.
But the war is taking a heavy toll on these young recruits.
Ukraine's youth recruitment drive lured 18-24-year-olds with high pay and benefits to bolster its aging military.
Out of 11 tracked recruits, 4 were wounded, 3 are missing, 2 went AWOL, 1 fell sick, and 1 committed suicide.
Pavlo Broshkov, a 20-year-old recruit, survived a near-death experience but is now recovering with severe injuries.
Yevhen Yushchenko, Broshkov's best friend, is missing in action, leaving his sister searching for answers.
The Ukrainian military faces critical personnel shortages, with an average soldier age of 47, impacting their ability to defend against Russian advances.
- Who
- Ukrainian recruits aged 18 to 24
- What
- Heavy losses and casualties among young Ukrainian soldiers
- When
- Since the start of the war, with recent focus on 2023
- Where
- Eastern Ukraine, particularly Donetsk region
- Why
- To defend Ukraine and earn financial benefits
- Recruitment Age Range
- 18 to 24
- Mortgage Offered
- Interest-free
- Average Age of Ukrainian Military
- 47
- Recruits Tracked
- 11
- Wounded Recruits
- 4
- Missing in Action
- 3
- AWOL Recruits
- 2
- Suicide Case
- 1
- Sick Recruit
- 1
