Dmytro Zhuk, senior sergeant of an artillery platoon and commander of a CAESAR gun with the Zhytomyr-based 148th Artillery Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"We need people. Lately, we're receiving men aged 50 to 60. That means we have manpower, but they can't fully perform because of physical limitations. For example, seven people go out on a mission, but only three can actively and effectively do the job because the others are older and simply can't contribute as much. There are very few young people now. In my opinion, the most effective age for service in the Armed Forces is between 23 and 45," Zhuk said.

He advised civilians to remain patient and continue living their lives because "there is no other option," while also supporting the Armed Forces and going to work, as this helps strengthen Ukraine's economy.

"I'd like people to calm down a little because it's becoming outrageous when someone says, 'I don't owe anyone anything.' Some say they'll defend their city or region once the Russians get there. That won't happen. They'll first level everything with guided aerial bombs, missiles and Shahed drones, and only after there's nothing left standing will they move in," the serviceman said.

According to Zhuk, Russia's aggression must be stopped before that happens.

"If you only suppress the enemy temporarily, they will regain their strength and come back again," he added.

Read also:CAESAR gun commander names its priority targets on front line

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has expanded the list of positions eligible for fixed-term infantry assault contracts with service periods ranging from six to fourteen months.

Photo courtesy of Dmytro Zhuk