Ukraine and Russia face growing manpower challenges in ongoing conflict

Both Ukraine and Russia are facing significant manpower challenges in their ongoing conflict. Ukraine has intensified its conscription efforts, while Russia is reportedly struggling to recruit enough soldiers domestically and is now seeking assistance from North Korea. Russia has lost an estimated 350,000 to 600,000 troops since the war began in 2022. To address its recruitment issues, Russia is lowering standards and increasing pay, but its monthly recruitment of 30,000 soldiers is nearly matched by casualties. In Ukraine, the number of soldiers being trained has dropped from 35,000 to 20,000 per month, with rising desertion rates and low morale among troops. The Ukrainian government is now conducting conscription checks in public places, leading to confrontations with civilians.