Ukraine's "weekend army" trains as last defense against Russia

Eight years ago, thousands of poorly trained volunteers headed to the front to fight equally chaotic separatists and Russian fighters. Their derring-do helped liberate some towns, but when they faced covert Russian army units, they were crushed.

Advertisement

The Ukraine government is seeking to avoid that scenario this time by offering training and a structure for those who don’t want to make a full-time commitment to the army. These reservists are valuable partly because Russia has a strategic advantage: It can attack from the north, south or east, or even stage armed attacks inside the country. Starting from last spring, the citizen-soldiers are activated if martial law is declared.

Territorial battalions were established in 2014, then were rolled into the army. They have now been re-established with a clear structure. Officials say they are adding large numbers of new recruits, aiming for a total reserve force of some 130,000.

“They will defend cities, villages, critical infrastructure, bridges, tunnels, roads, et cetera,” Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Trending on HotAir Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement