The Ukrainian military has launched an initiative to familiarize civilians with combat techniques in preparation for potential conscription or voluntary enlistment against Russia.
During the so-called “Test Week,” Ukrainian volunteers undergo seven days of intense military training with mock weapons on an improvised battlefield.
They also engage in simulated battlefield conditions, including continuous explosions represented by firecrackers that go off every few minutes.
While under a simulated attack, civilians learn how to move and regroup effectively, as well as evacuate casualties.
They are also taught how to properly use their weapons and battlefield medicine.
“We give them assessment according to physical training, knowledge of theory, medicine [and drones]. Also, we evaluate their leadership abilities, teamwork, and analytical mindset,” instructor Maksym Levchenko said.
Program Success
Some of the participants in the Test Week are 18 to 24 years old, preparing for mandatory conscription at the age of 25.
Twenty-year-old Oleksii Sichkar said he joined the program over fear that the invading forces might reach his hometown and Kyiv may not have enough soldiers to defend it.
“We’re not sure that hostilities won’t come to our area,” he said.
So far, over 400 people have reportedly participated in the initiative, with one in five choosing to enlist in the military afterward.
Sichkar is one of those who decided to enlist, and he chose to become a part of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.
“I’m doing this for my family, to protect my mother and sister. I love them more than anything in the world,” he expressed.
Low Morale
The initiative to train civilians comes amid reports of declining troop morale and high desertion rates in Ukraine.
Russian state media claims that more than 37,000 Ukrainian soldiers have abandoned their posts as the war stretches beyond two years.
Though the number is unverified, battalion commander “Dima” told CNN that many soldiers are indeed demoralized, causing them to leave the army.
“Not all mobilized soldiers are leaving their positions, but the majority are. When new guys come here, they see how difficult it is… They go to the positions once and if they survive, they never return,” he said.
