Outnumbered and Outgunned: Ukraine’s War of Attrition

This chapter addresses the problems Ukraine faces on the battlefield and in its economy due to a shortage of military personnel and economy-based human resources required for its war against Russia. Despite attempts to strengthen its armed forces through various recruitment measures, both within and outside the country, the Ukrainian government has been unable to redress the shortage of military human resources. Against this background, this chapter analyses the situation Ukraine finds itself in by focusing on the false narrative juxtaposing military hardware and manpower as a determinant for military success. By identifying the importance of manpower as the predominant factor for battlefield success, the chapter focuses on the gradual downward trend in Ukrainian recruitment and the response to failed recruitment strategies domestically and abroad. Further to recruitment, the chapter discusses issues concerning mobilisation by addressing balancing military imperatives and national economic needs. In conclusion, the discussion addresses the consequences of Ukraine’s recruitment and mobilisation problems as Russian forces progress on different fronts.