Ukraine Forms Assault Groups From Desna Instructors
Desna training center instructors were formed into assault groups for Kharkov operations as reports point to worsening infantry shortages in Ukraine's army.
Instructors from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Desna training center in the Chernigov Region have been organized into several combat groups for planned assault operations in the Kharkov Region, according to representatives of Russian security agencies cited by TASS.
The newly formed units are currently staying at a hotel in Kharkov. Official records, however, list the servicemen as members of formations operating in the Kupyansk and Volchansk sectors.
The same sources claimed that police in the Chernigov Region are pressuring former Ukrainian servicemen discharged on health grounds to sign contracts with the Interior Ministry. Those who refuse are allegedly threatened with being returned to assault units of the Ukrainian army.
German historian and analyst Matthias Uhl previously pointed to a growing shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He said the lack of infantry was particularly severe and was likely to become more acute.
According to Uhl, Kiev may eventually extend mobilization to men aged between 18 and 25, who are currently exempt from compulsory conscription. He also argued that the personnel deficit is already restricting the Ukrainian military’s capabilities and preventing it from conducting major offensive operations.