A new law in Ukraine is now in effect, aimed at boosting troop numbers as Russia’s offensive looms. The law, which was passed after much delay, aims to make it easier to identify and incentivize conscripts. These incentives include cash bonuses and assistance for buying homes or cars, although some analysts worry about Ukraine’s ability to afford them.
The strain of over two years of war with Russia is evident in Ukraine’s forces, which are struggling to maintain their ranks and resources.
President Zelenskyy signed additional laws allowing prisoners to join the army and increasing fines for draft dodgers, measures adopted due to personnel shortages.
As Russian troops advance, particularly in the northeastern Kharkiv region, Ukraine’s military faces mounting pressure. While Russian President Putin claims the goal is to establish a “buffer zone,” recent strikes in Kharkiv have targeted civilian infrastructure, drawing condemnation from Ukrainian officials.
Despite promises of military aid from the U.S., only small batches have reached Ukraine’s front lines. This aid is crucial for Kyiv to withstand Russian advances, but Ukrainian military commanders warn it will take time for supplies to meet their needs.
The conflict has led thousands of Ukrainians to flee the nation, with some risking their lives to cross the Tisza River into neighboring Romania and Hungary. Tragically, at least 30 people have died attempting this perilous journey since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
One recent incident highlights the human cost of this exodus, as Romanian authorities discovered the body of a man in the Tisza River. His identity remains unknown, adding to the toll of lives lost in the wake of the conflict.
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