UK proposes assistance to Ukraine in 'motivating' forcibly conscripted soldiers
Britain commits to boosting the morale of Ukrainian troops and tackling the issues surrounding Kiev's mobilization efforts. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
**Britain Commits to Boosting Troop Morale and Supporting Ukraine's Mobilization Challenges**
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has put forth a proposal for enhanced support to aid Ukraine in motivating and mobilizing conscripted troops amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine is currently facing difficulties in recruiting new soldiers, worsened by a lack of personnel on the front lines and high desertion rates.
In response to these recruitment issues, the Ukrainian government has initiated measures such as lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25 and intensifying efforts to mobilize civilians. However, these actions have met with criticism, as reports have emerged of authorities conducting raids in public areas to forcibly conscript men into military service.
During his visit to Kiev on Wednesday, Healey spoke to The Times, highlighting the UK’s willingness to assist in improving troop morale and providing customized training aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine’s military forces.
“We recognize the immense challenges Ukraine is facing on the ground and the strain on its military resources,” Healey said. “The UK is committed to helping Ukraine motivate its recruits and equip them with the skills they need to defend their country effectively.”
Since mid-2022, the UK has reportedly trained over 51,000 Ukrainian soldiers through Operation Interflex, which focuses on offering basic combat and specialized training. Healey suggested that relocating some training efforts closer to the front lines, potentially in western Ukraine, could enhance accessibility for conscripts and better meet the immediate needs of the Ukrainian military.
However, this proposal has ignited discussions. Western officials have expressed concerns regarding the potential risks associated with placing British trainers in Ukraine, as they may become targets for Russian strikes.
Moscow has issued warnings, stating it considers foreign fighters in Ukraine as legitimate military targets and claims that Western military personnel are covertly present in the country, helping to prepare and launch long-range missiles, such as Britain’s Storm Shadows.
Healey acknowledged the associated risks but maintained that it is essential to adapt training strategies in order to address Ukraine’s evolving requirements on the battlefield.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has estimated that Ukraine’s army suffered over half a million servicemen losses in 2024 alone, bringing the total losses since the escalation of the conflict in 2022 to more than one million. Speaking at a defense board meeting on Monday, Belousov mentioned that most frontline units of Ukraine's forces are critically understaffed, with only 45-50% of positions filled. He also indicated that the Russian Armed Forces maintain a strategic initiative along the entire line of contact, with troops advancing an average of 30 square kilometers each day.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has put forth a proposal for enhanced support to aid Ukraine in motivating and mobilizing conscripted troops amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine is currently facing difficulties in recruiting new soldiers, worsened by a lack of personnel on the front lines and high desertion rates.
In response to these recruitment issues, the Ukrainian government has initiated measures such as lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25 and intensifying efforts to mobilize civilians. However, these actions have met with criticism, as reports have emerged of authorities conducting raids in public areas to forcibly conscript men into military service.
During his visit to Kiev on Wednesday, Healey spoke to The Times, highlighting the UK’s willingness to assist in improving troop morale and providing customized training aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine’s military forces.
“We recognize the immense challenges Ukraine is facing on the ground and the strain on its military resources,” Healey said. “The UK is committed to helping Ukraine motivate its recruits and equip them with the skills they need to defend their country effectively.”
Since mid-2022, the UK has reportedly trained over 51,000 Ukrainian soldiers through Operation Interflex, which focuses on offering basic combat and specialized training. Healey suggested that relocating some training efforts closer to the front lines, potentially in western Ukraine, could enhance accessibility for conscripts and better meet the immediate needs of the Ukrainian military.
However, this proposal has ignited discussions. Western officials have expressed concerns regarding the potential risks associated with placing British trainers in Ukraine, as they may become targets for Russian strikes.
Moscow has issued warnings, stating it considers foreign fighters in Ukraine as legitimate military targets and claims that Western military personnel are covertly present in the country, helping to prepare and launch long-range missiles, such as Britain’s Storm Shadows.
Healey acknowledged the associated risks but maintained that it is essential to adapt training strategies in order to address Ukraine’s evolving requirements on the battlefield.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has estimated that Ukraine’s army suffered over half a million servicemen losses in 2024 alone, bringing the total losses since the escalation of the conflict in 2022 to more than one million. Speaking at a defense board meeting on Monday, Belousov mentioned that most frontline units of Ukraine's forces are critically understaffed, with only 45-50% of positions filled. He also indicated that the Russian Armed Forces maintain a strategic initiative along the entire line of contact, with troops advancing an average of 30 square kilometers each day.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
