JAKARTA - Declining in darkness with its automatic rifle, the 50-year-old Ukrainian army "Bell" said he expects more of his younger compatriots to join the fight against the Russian invasion.
Facing a bigger and more complete enemy, Ukrainian forces rely heavily on old soldiers like him to defend the country against Russia's relentless attacks.
"They have to understand that no one other than us and they will be doing this," he said at a training ground in eastern Ukraine, identifying himself with a call.
Ukraine is under pressure to call for more troops as the 27-month war continues and fewer volunteers have joined compared to the first months of war.
Authorities recently tightened the rules for mobilization and reduced the age of military service to 25 years. Men until the age of 60 are entitled to be summoned.
Some Ukrainian officials estimate the average age of the Ukrainian army is more than 40 years.
Reuters is given access to the 33rd Mechanical Brigade training session in the Donetsk region, where Moscow forces are slowly advancing in some areas.
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Troops were taught various skills, ranging from cleaning ditches to operating machine guns mounted on trucks. Some have been mobilized while others have joined.
The Chief Sergeant of Brigade33, who is called Canada (44), said many of the soldiers are currently trained over 50, but they are more motivated than younger soldiers.
"They understand why they are here, for the sake of their children and grandchildren," he said.
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