Ukraine’s latest military recruitment drive has failed to gain traction, with only 8,600 new contracts reportedly signed since its launch.

Kiev has been struggling with acute manpower shortages as it suffers heavy battlefield losses in the conflict with Russia, alongside widespread draft evasion and desertion.

Since its launch in mid-June, approximately 8,600 Ukrainians have signed contracts under the scheme, according to Roman Kostenko, secretary of the parliamentary committee on national security and defense. The figure includes both new recruits and personnel already serving in the military, which leaves the actual number of additional troops unclear.

The initiative introduced contracts lasting between six months and two years, depending on role and service history, along with temporary exemptions from further mobilization after discharge. The Defense Ministry also raised pay for infantry and assault troops, increasing monthly salaries from around 120,000 hryvnias ($2,900) to between 300,000 and 460,000 hryvnias ($7,200–$11,000).

However, soldiers expressed distrust of government promises, questioning whether they would actually be discharged when their contracts expire. Some also argued that the temporary exemptions from further mobilization were too short to make signing worthwhile.

An earlier recruitment drive targeting Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 struggled despite offering a bonus of up to one million hryvnias ($24,000) for a year’s military service. In March 2025, the Defense Ministry posted on social media that the amount could buy 15,625 McDonald’s cheeseburgers, drawing online criticism. The following month, a senior presidential official acknowledged fewer than 500 people had signed up.

Kiev has also sought recruits abroad, launching a military recruitment program for Ukrainians living in Europe and exploring ways to bring military-age men back home. It has also stepped up efforts to attract foreign mercenaries. Russian forces have captured US, British, and Colombian nationals during the conflict.

Apart from voluntary contracts, Kiev relies on compulsory mobilization of fighting-age men. Under martial law, Ukraine can mobilize eligible men for military service regardless of whether they want to enlist.

The campaign has been marred by widespread corruption among draft officials and public perceptions that the system is deeply unfair. The government has responded to draft evasion with heavy-handed enforcement that has repeatedly involved the illegal use of force by military officials.