Demographic Challenges in Global Military Recruitment

Ukraine and Russia grapple with recruitment challenges as demographic crises loom, particularly in Ukraine where declining birth rates exacerbate the issue. Meanwhile, Russia leverages financial incentives to bolster volunteer enlistment, avoiding a mass compulsory draft. Global demographics also pose concerns for nations like China, whose ageing population strains its military readiness.

In April, Ukraine's defence ministry intelligence noticed a disturbing trend on social media: videos of Ukrainian men vacationing overseas to avoid military drafts were circulating widely. These videos, mainly on TikTok, are believed to be part of a Russian campaign to undermine Ukrainian military recruitment efforts.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded by lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25. Despite this, Ukraine struggles with a demographic crisis, with a significant part of its population fleeing or avoiding service. The Ukrainian Ministry of Education reported a dramatic rise in postgraduate applications, seen as an attempt to defer military duty.

Meanwhile, Russia faces similar demographic hurdles but avoids a large compulsory draft through financial incentives and recruitment from prisons. Analysts believe Russia may resort to more significant conscription efforts to sustain its military might, raising concerns among NATO nations and highlighting global demographic challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)