The Intelligence from The Economist Fear on draft: Ukraine’s fraught mobilisation
May 13, 2024
Join Oliver Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent, as he sheds light on Ukraine's pressing recruitment and ammunition issues amidst the ongoing conflict. He discusses the urgent need for new soldiers while revealing the emotional toll of rising casualties. The conversation also touches on the Chinese government's censorship of pandemic researchers, and unexpectedly, the enduring popularity of CDs in Japan thanks to unique cultural factors. Carroll's insights paint a vivid picture of both a nation at war and the quirks of global music consumption.
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Ukraine's Triangle of Difficulty
- Ukraine faces critical shortages in ammunition, manpower, and morale.
- Russia exploits these weaknesses, intensifying attacks in Donbas, Kharkiv, and Sumy.
Stalled Mobilization
- Ukraine struggles with a stalled mobilization drive despite increasing efforts.
- Parliamentary delays in passing amendments requiring online registration hinder recruitment.
Odessa Bar Story
- In Odessa, a bar opened by philosophy students saw its male members disappear due to conscription or evasion.
- The remaining barman illustrates the dilemma faced by young men: stay and risk conscription or flee and never return.
