Ukraine Failed Mobilization: WSJ Explained Why 'Contract 18-24' Didn't Work.

The Unsuccessful 'Contract 18-24' Project in Attracting Youth to the Army

The government tried to engage young people in military service under the contract, but the initiative turned out to be an unsuccessful project. According to The Wall Street Journal, only about 500 people joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the few months of the program's existence.

The main problem for young people was the complex and lengthy bureaucratic process of signing the contract. Long waiting times and inconveniences often strip away the motivation to join the army. Many potential servicemen turn away due to these complications.

'The wall of bureaucracy often complicates the adaptation process for recruits, and many refuse due to pressure from parents... The emergence of such contracts indicates a serious shortage of manpower, which is hampering Ukraine's defense efforts amid the continuous assault from Russia,' the article emphasizes.

Additionally, among older servicemen, there is discontent with the privileges granted to the 18-24 age group. The large sign-on bonus of 1 million hryvnias has led to the nickname 'millionaires' among the program participants.

As of June 1, the mobilization of another category of men is planned. It will be interesting to see what results this new initiative will show in attracting citizens to military service.