Ukraine's Defence Ministry has kicked off a major recruitment campaign, urging young citizens aged 18 to 24 to enlist for a year-long military service. The offer includes a salary of around US$24,000 (S$32,486), along with substantial bonuses, subsidized housing, and an exemption from future mobilization for a year after completion.

With Ukrainian forces outnumbered by Russia on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently told Reuters that the country was preparing to ramp up recruitment. Last year, Ukraine lowered its draft age from 27 to 25 and introduced penalties for draft dodgers, but the new campaign aims to attract volunteers rather than rely solely on mandatory conscription.

A sleek promotional video circulating on social media carries the tagline: “Change your life in a year.” It showcases soldiers in action, taking up positions and engaging in combat, appealing to patriotic young Ukrainians with the promise of top-tier NATO-standard training and social benefits unmatched in civilian jobs.

Ukraine’s military currently has about 980,000 personnel, but with Russia expanding its army to 1.5 million, Kyiv is under pressure to strengthen its forces. However, public support for extended deployments has waned, as many Ukrainian soldiers have spent nearly three years at the frontlines without leave since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. While the United States has pushed Ukraine to lower the draft age even further, Zelenskiy and his administration have resisted, focusing instead on voluntary enlistment efforts.

Military bloggers have welcomed the new initiative, emphasizing that young recruits tend to adapt quickly, embrace discipline, and find motivation in their comrades' successes. One volunteer soldier, Stanislav Buniatov, described the campaign as "an appealing opportunity" for young people eager to serve their country.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.