Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that recent efforts to address troop shortages through tightened mobilization laws have fallen short, leaving the country's military struggling to sustain its defense against Russian forces.

Speaking in an interview with Ukrainskoye Radio on Saturday, Zelensky acknowledged the challenges posed by exhausted brigades at the frontlines and the lack of adequately trained reinforcements.

"We have not mobilized enough troops," Zelensky said, referring to two laws enacted earlier this year.

The first law lowered the draft age from 27 to 25, while the second aimed to curtail draft dodging by requiring eligible citizens to report for "data clarification" with military authorities.

Despite these measures, Zelensky rejected claims that Ukraine had conscripted 500,000 men, stressing the need for more soldiers to replenish frontline units.

"The brigades in the East are exhausted, rotation is needed. The guys are getting tired and leaving. They must be replaced with fresh units," Zelensky admitted, describing the situation on the frontlines as "really difficult" and conceding that Russian forces have made "slow progress."

Read more: Ukrainians flee conscription despite manpower shortage: The Guardian

A Mobilization Effort Plagued by Resistance

Ukraine's mobilization policies, which bar most men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country, have encountered significant resistance.

Recruitment drives have been marred by allegations of widespread bribery and evasion, with some men resorting to dangerous escape attempts to avoid conscription.

Social media has been flooded with videos showing military patrols detaining draft-eligible men in public spaces such as streets, malls, and gyms, often leading to confrontations.

Despite intensified efforts, Ukrainian soldiers have voiced concerns about the lack of reinforcements and insufficient training for new recruits, resulting in extended rotations and mounting fatigue among active troops.

Calls for Broader Mobilization

The ongoing manpower shortage has sparked calls from Ukrainian officials and Western allies to lower the draft age even further and expand citizen participation in the war effort.

Some Ukrainian politicians have suggested that all citizens contribute, either by serving on the front lines or by supporting the military through logistical and administrative roles.

As the war drags on, Kiev faces the dual challenge of addressing the immediate needs of its military while managing public discontent over its mobilization policies.

With Russia reportedly making slow but steady gains, Ukraine's ability to resolve its manpower crisis will play a critical role in determining the outcome of the conflict.

Russia escalates Kursk offensive 

The Washington Post reported on Saturday an escalation in the battle for control over Russia's Kursk region, as the Kremlin intensified its efforts to recapture territory held by Ukrainian forces since a surprise cross-border incursion in August.

Moscow is highly determined to secure the region ahead of potential negotiations with the incoming Trump administration, the report says. 

Ukraine's operation initially captured hundreds of square miles in Kursk, a move that experts say Kiev hoped to use as leverage in any future peace talks.

Read more: Trump's advisor Lanza: Peace, not territory is priority in Ukraine

However, Russia has launched a relentless counteroffensive, reportedly reclaiming some of the lost ground but suffering heavy losses in equipment and personnel, the report claims. 

According to US intelligence, Russian forces are working to ensure that negotiations, if they happen, focus solely on Ukrainian territory and not land within Russia.