Outmanned and outgunned by Russian forces on the battlefield, Ukraine’s army urgently needs fresh fighters, as more western military aid is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
But the queues of patriotic volunteers who lined up outside recruitment centres after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 have long since disappeared.
Ukrainian military units are trying to lure people such as Zolotoverekhky as they seek to raise hundreds of thousands of men needed to hold the line against a renewed Russian offensive.
“It is about control,” Zolotoverekhky said. “It is the knowledge that I have no stupid commander. I have heard of lots of not so fun stories. [But] there are many more motivated people there.”
“EVERYONE WILL FIGHT — choose your unit now,” says one billboard for the Da Vinci Wolves battalion. Officially known as the army’s 67th separate mechanised brigade, it started off as a nationalist paramilitary movement and has fought in eastern Ukraine for a decade.
A different one said: “Join the best team!”, in reference to the Achilles drone unit, part of the elite 92nd assault brigade.
@TunaAuroraLibertarian2wks2W
Congress is now openly saying that American troops may need to fight in Ukraine. No matter how many times they repeat this idea, we cannot let it become normalized. It would be World War 3.
@JudicialVicunaGreen2wks2W
They never explain why we would need troops in Ukraine if Russia wins the conflict. Russia occupied Ukraine for quite a while last century and we didn't send troops there. Not sure why we would now.
@GallantHareLibertarian2wks2W
Imagine US soldiers dying in Ukraine so central bankers can make new profits financing this money laundering war. US Military recruitment had college money to entice joining but loans get paid off by Biden so what’s the incentive to join?
@GranolaAmeliaDemocrat2wks2W
Agree or not with their opinion but its been pretty clear why they say that because they think Putin after Ukraine will target a NATO country. If he attacks a nato country then USA have to commit troops. But if Ukraine can hold till putin is gone then they need not to.
Wait, for over two years we’ve been told (corrupt) Ukraine was winning and that it was our patriotic duty to fund their slaughter because “if Ukraine doesn’t stop Russia they would conquer Europe”.
Has the narrative changed?
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
How would you feel about enlisting in a military unit where 'choosing your own adventure' is a key recruiting promise during a time of war?
@9M7HZ3W 2wks2W
I would feel engaged into joining the military if I get to choose if I want to be on the line of duty or become a marine.
The historical activity of users engaging with this general discussion.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion
Loading data...