Ukraine may redeploy air defense troops to frontline as infantry shortage deepens

The report notes that Ukraine’s General Staff has been transferring troops from already "exhausted" air defense units to bolster infantry forces amid a growing personnel crisis.

"The situation is reaching a critical level where we can no longer be certain that air defense will function properly," one source told The Guardian.

Some of the soldiers being sent to combat positions had received Western training and possess valuable skills, the report added.

Another source mentioned that commanders have sometimes deployed soldiers deemed problematic to the front. Concerns have been raised that these soldiers, who possess sensitive knowledge about air defense tactics and positions, could compromise key information if captured.

"This has been happening for a year now, but it’s getting worse. I’m down to less than half my original numbers. A commission came recently, and they want even more troops. Most of those left are over 50 or injured," an officer from an air defense unit told The Guardian.

Troops have highlighted growing recruitment problems. Recently, more soldiers unprepared for combat—poorly trained and equipped—have been sent to the frontlines, according to a soldier in Ukraine’s 114th Territorial Defense Brigade.

The Guardian also reported that despite mobilization issues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has refused to lower the conscription age from 25 to 18. U.S. officials were reportedly frustrated by this decision, arguing that while Ukraine continues to request more weapons, it struggles to mobilize enough soldiers.

However, Ukrainian military officials believe the recruitment rate can be boosted with better incentives and improved training rather than lowering the draft age.

"Eighteen-year-olds are still kids. Maybe they could lower it to 23 if absolutely necessary, but there are still plenty of people in Kyiv who could be mobilized but don’t want to join the army," said a soldier from the 114th Brigade.

On Nov. 3, Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force Command, confirmed that air defense troops were being reassigned as infantry due to urgent needs. He emphasized that this has not affected the number of drones and missiles shot down during Russian attacks.

Ihnat was responding to comments by Ukrainian lawmaker Maryana Bezuhla, who claimed Ukraine’s air defenses were becoming less effective at intercepting Shahed drones due to the redeployment of air defense personnel.