How Many People Ukraine Can Mobilise

When The Last Men Fight: Ukraine Final Stand

Group of Ukranian soldiers Training Somewhere in Ukraine

Ukraine was already facing a serious population crisis long before the war began. Low birth rates, high emigration, and an ageing society had steadily shrunk the country’s workforce and military-age population for decades. But the full-scale invasion by Russia has multiplied this crisis many times over. Millions have fled abroad, thousands have been killed or injured, and countless more are displaced within the country. Every month of fighting not only depletes Ukraine’s human resources on the battlefield but also erodes its demographic future, making the question of how many people it can still mobilize both urgent and deeply troubling.

To fight with Russia, Ukraine has brought in large-scale mobilization measures. On the dawn of 21 February 2022 just one day before the war began the country’s population stood at around 41 million in government-controlled areas. Within weeks of the invasion, a massive refugee crisis unfolded, by the end of 2022, over 8 million Ukrainians had fled abroad, most of them women and children, while millions more were internally displaced. The war left Ukraine with a drastically reduced pool of military-age men, making every recruit count.

A Wave of Volunteers Fueled by Nationalism

In the early days of the war, many Ukrainians rushed to join the fight voluntarily, driven by a strong sense of patriotism and national pride. Across cities and villages, men and women lined up at recruitment centers eager to defend their homeland against the invasion. This surge of volunteers was fueled by a deep belief in Ukraine’s right to freedom and independence. Social media buzzed with stories of everyday heroes stepping forward, while communities came together to support soldiers with supplies and encouragement. The nationwide spirit of unity and resistance gave the armed forces a vital boost in morale and manpower during those critical first months. 

As the Months Dragged On, Enthusiasm faded 

As the war stretched on, the initial wave of optimism gave way to the harsh realities of prolonged conflict. Reports of corruption in recruitment offices eroded public trust, while the lack of troop rotation left many soldiers stuck on the frontlines for months without rest. Rising casualties, with thousands killed or severely wounded, weighed heavily on communities and families across the country. These factors combined to create a sense of exhaustion and disillusionment, making it harder for the government to sustain voluntary enlistment. For many, the fight no longer felt like a short, decisive struggle it had become a grinding test of endurance.

How Far Ukraine Can Mobilise?

As of the most recent estimates, Ukraine’s resident population has fallen to around 38.8 million in 2025, down from approximately 41 million in early 2022. Much of this decline stems from the massive displacement triggered by the war, by late 2024, an estimated 5.2–6.9 million Ukrainians had fled abroad, while another 3.7 million remained internally displaced within the country. Taken together, these numbers mean that only around 35–36 million people remain in Ukraine’s territory and could potentially contribute to the mobilization effort. 

Of the roughly 35–36 million people remaining in Ukraine in 2025, women make up around 53 to 54 percent of the population, while men account for about 46 to 47 percent. In absolute numbers, this translates to approximately 18.7 million women and 16.3 million men. 

If we look closer at the number of men in Ukraine, the ones who are actually of fighting age between 18 and 60 years old make up about half to a little over half of all men. So out of roughly 16 to 17 million men, around 8 to 10 million are in that age group. But not all of them can fight. Some are already serving in the military, others may have health issues, and some are legally excused. That means the number of men who could still be called up to fight is smaller than it first appears.

Intense Pressure from Western Countries to Reduce the Mobilisation Age

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has so far signed a decree allowing the mobilization of men aged 25 to 60. However, due to Russia’s significantly larger manpower mobilizing even men as young as 18, Western countries are exerting intense pressure on Ukraine to lower its mobilization age to 18. This pressure aims to help Ukraine match Russia’s numbers on the battlefield, but it also brings complex challenges, including concerns about drafting younger men who may not be fully prepared for combat or the impact on Ukrainian society and economy.

All Men Cannot Fight on Frontline

Even if Ukraine tried to mobilize all the men of fighting age, it wouldn’t be possible or wise. Someone still needs to keep the country running: farmers, factory workers, teachers, doctors, and many others who support daily life and the economy. Taking too many people away from these jobs could cause the economy to collapse, making the war even harder to sustain. On top of that, losing such a large part of the population many of whom won’t return would create a demographic gap that could take decades to recover from. The human cost would ripple through generations, affecting Ukraine’s future long after the fighting stops.

A Dark and Uncertain Future

With Russia showing little willingness to agree to a ceasefire and Western countries struggling to fully stop Russia through sanctions, Ukraine faces a dark and uncertain future. The prolonged conflict is not just a war of today it will leave scars on Ukraine’s population, economy, and society that could be felt for decades to come. The toll on human lives and the challenge of rebuilding will shape the country’s path for generations.

                                                                                                    About the Author

Mohd Saif is a writer with a deep passion for geopolitics, focusing on the dynamics that shape international relations and global events.