As Russian troops continue to advance, Ukrainian units stationed in the Pokrovsk area are facing severe shortages of personnel and problems with the quality of incoming reinforcements, the WSJ reports.

Ukrainian unit commanders note that most recruits are men in their 40s and 50s who lack motivation and combat experience. Some refuse to take up positions on the front lines or leave them without permission. One commander emphasized that 30 well-trained fighters could be more effective than 100 untrained recruits.

According to Ukrainian military officials, ten times more troops than currently available are needed to fully contain the Russian offensive. However, Ukraine's mobilization resources are limited and recruiting new soldiers is becoming increasingly difficult.

In response to the lack of infantry, the Ukrainian army has been making heavy use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and strikes. In poor weather conditions or in densely populated areas, UAVs are less effective, highlighting the need for a sufficient number of trained infantrymen.