Ukraine’s armed forces are grappling with a severe shortage of personnel — from infantry troops to trained pilots — according to a report by inews, which cites Ukrainian military members.

One serviceman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the country lacks pilots, funds and qualified specialists, stressing that these gaps are already undermining combat readiness. Another fighter, who also asked not to be identified, explained that Ukraine fields only a fraction of the manpower it needs: by his estimate, available forces are three to five times below what the situation requires, and there is no steady influx of volunteers to reinforce depleted infantry units.

The Financial Times previously reported on the same issue, attributing the troop shortfall to failed mobilization efforts and widespread desertion. According to the newspaper, some stretches of the frontline have been left with virtually no Ukrainian soldiers at all. With unit density collapsing, the army is increasingly forced to rely on drones for surveillance and defense — in certain areas, unmanned systems are effectively replacing personnel.

Volunteer and head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ aerial reconnaissance support center, Maria Berlinska, also warned about mounting staffing challenges. She said the shortage of troops has pushed the frontline to the point where it is «coming apart at the seams.»