The Armed Forces of Ukraine have compiled a profile of the 2026 recruits
The typical new recruit in 2026 is an older man with chronic health conditions who, despite his physical limitations, is undergoing combat training.
This was reported by the commander of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade (OVMBR), Lieutenant Colonel Ruslan Gabinet, call sign “Granit,” in an interview with Radio Liberty.
According to Radio Liberty, as cited by Glavkom, the military officer notes that there are very few young people among the new recruits, and most of the recruits are men aged 50 and older.
According to the brigade commander, many of them have problems with their backs, knees, or hands, yet they continue their training and preparation.
“This is an older man with certain health conditions who may be ‘Russified,’ as they say, but has already accepted it as a given that he’s in the military and is preparing and training. Not everything comes easily to him… but he trains anyway,” Gabinet noted.
At the same time, he emphasized that the decisive factor is not health, but motivation and a willingness to fight.
“I had soldiers in my battalion who were 60–62 years old, who held their positions and transferred themselves from support units. They said, ‘I want to, I’ll go.’ And they carried out their tasks with great dignity,” the commander said.
There are plans to extend martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine for another 90 days. It is expected that the president will soon submit the relevant decrees to the Verkhovna Rada, and their consideration and vote could take place as early as next week.
Conscriptionafter age 50: how mobilization is taking place in Ukraine starting January 1.
The VerkhovnaRada extended martial law in Ukraine until May 4, 2026.
The military ombudswoman reporteda critical shortage of personnel at the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support.
In Ternopil, a man fell from the fifth floor of the TCC building.
The TCC provided advice on what to do if the Administrative Service Center refuses to accept documents for deferment.
