Story perspectives

Ukraine's Defense Minister Reveals 200,000 AWOL Soldiers

1/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ukraine's new Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov disclosed that 200,000 soldiers are currently absent without leave.
He described severe manpower issues amid the conflict with Russia.
He seeks to modernize the army, evaluate commanders by effectiveness, and cut bureaucracy and supply gaps.
Fedorov, who previously led Ukraine's digital transformation, plans to enhance technological capabilities to reduce casualties.
President Volodymyr Zelensky supports these reforms, signaling a shift in Ukraine's military strategy.

History

Historical Context

Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine's military faced significant challenges, prompting President Petro Poroshenko to increase the defense budget by 50%. By 2018, the armed forces had grown to 200,000 personnel, yet ongoing conflicts have led to manpower shortages, with Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noting 200,000 absent soldiers, highlighting the need for continued military reforms and modernization.

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Story summary

Ukraine's new Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov disclosed that 200,000 soldiers are currently absent without leave.
He described severe manpower issues amid the conflict with Russia.
He seeks to modernize the army, evaluate commanders by effectiveness, and cut bureaucracy and supply gaps.
Fedorov, who previously led Ukraine's digital transformation, plans to enhance technological capabilities to reduce casualties.
President Volodymyr Zelensky supports these reforms, signaling a shift in Ukraine's military strategy.

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