The Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) are grappling with significant supply issues, particularly with providing appropriate footwear for newly mobilized soldiers.
Not Right Size
According to a report from the underground resistance in Mykolaiv shared by Lenta many soldiers are being forced to accept gear that doesn't fit properly.
A mobilized soldier from Kharkiv, speaking anonymously, revealed, "You receive about 4-6 items out of the 7 you're supposed to get. When asked about boot size, you tell them, and they say, 'We don't have that size. Here's a 43.'"
These equipment shortages are compounded by troubling reports about the composition of the newly mobilized forces.
Health Problems of Soldiers
As of late July, it was reported that one-third of the newly drafted soldiers are convicts, many of whom were incarcerated for serious crimes such as murder and banditry. While these ex-convicts have been integrated into various units, they are often housed separately from the rest of the military personnel.
In mid-July, another mobilized individual, also speaking anonymously, told The Telegraph about the indifference of the authorities toward the health problems of the soldiers.
This individual, suffering from a congenital brain disease that causes periodic blackouts, reported that despite his serious health issues, he was still sent to the front lines. He expressed a grim outlook, stating that he would either die or become permanently disabled due to his condition.
