Fighting in Avdiikva is 'hell', says Ukraine military & how Kyiv is trying to fix its manpower problem
Feb 15, 2024
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This podcast features David Knowles, Dominic Nicholls, Francis Dearnley, and Svitlana Morenets discussing the ongoing battle in Avdiivka and Ukraine's mobilization efforts. They delve into topics like the recent drone strike on a Russian oil depot, defense strategies in Avdiivka, concerns over the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, and updates on Ukraine's collaboration with Britain and Latvia to strengthen their defense using drones. They also touch upon recent developments in Europe, the Atlantic spheres, and share details about a live episode recorded at the US Embassy in London.
Ukraine is proposing new legislation to address its manpower problem by lowering the conscription age and extending military training, which is met with mixed reactions among Ukrainian society.
Hungary's opposition to EU sanctions against Russia due to concerns over Chinese companies highlights the influence of China's financial investments on defense policies in certain countries.
Deep dives
Ukraine's efforts to conscript soldiers and the need for reinforcement
Ukraine is facing an urgent need for more soldiers to supplement its undermanned and undergunned front lines. The government has proposed new legislation to lower the minimum conscription age and extend the duration of military training. The aim is to conscript up to half a million people to build up reserves and replace exhausted fighters. The move is met with mixed reactions among Ukrainian society, with some individuals expressing a willingness to fight if called upon, while others seek to evade conscription. The government is also exploring options to improve recruitment by allowing individuals to choose their specific roles in the military. However, concerns remain over the harsh penalties imposed on those attempting to avoid conscription. The issue of conscription carries significant financial costs and raises questions about fairness and human rights. The effectiveness of conscription in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities will be a crucial factor in the ongoing conflict.
Hungary blocks EU sanctions against Russia
Hungary has blocked a package of EU sanctions targeting individuals and entities providing support to Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. Hungary's opposition to the sanctions is reportedly linked to concerns over Chinese companies affected by the measures. This development reveals the influence that China's financial investments in certain countries can have on defense policies. The move by Hungary comes amid ongoing efforts by several countries, including China and Turkey, to advocate for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Such developments highlight the complexities and diverging interests within NATO and the European sphere when addressing the conflict.
Upcoming US Embassy event and relevance of US actions towards its allies
The podcast team will be hosting a live special episode at the US Embassy in London, featuring experts such as Ambassador Bill Taylor and Arizio Lutsevich. The event will discuss US policies and responsibilities towards its allies, particularly in relation to Ukraine. Recent news, such as Hungary blocking EU sanctions against Russia, raises questions about the US's role in coordinating a unified response from its allies. The outcome of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will have significant ramifications for NATO and its ability to effectively support Ukraine's defense efforts. It is crucial to closely monitor US actions and commitments in order to assess their impact on the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine's urgent need for military equipment and aid
While conscription is seen as a way to address Ukraine's manpower shortage, it is vital to note that the lack of adequate military equipment remains a severe challenge. Ukrainian soldiers are facing shortages of artillery shells, posing a significant threat to their ability to defend themselves effectively. The US's approval of much-needed military aid, as well as negotiations with allies on further support, will play a critical role in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine depends on these factors, including the provision of essential military resources and support from the international community.
Today, we bring you the latest news from Ukraine, discuss the ongoing battle for Avdiivka and discuss the issue at the forefront of Ukrainian society and politics for weeks now: mobilisation.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @DJKnowles22 on Twitter.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.
Svitlana Morenets (The Spectator). @SvMorenets on Twitter.
