Ukraine says Russia is failing to recruit new troops because they know they'll become 'cannon fodder'

Russia is failing to recruit new troops because potential conscripts are too afraid of dying in battle, according to the Ukrainian defense ministry.

Russia had planned to mobilize thousands of reserve soldiers to fight in the Donbas, but they failed because they were avoiding being conscripted, according to the defense ministry spokesman.

Males aged 18 to 65 make every attempt to avoid being called up because they don't want to become cannon fodder for the army.

The Ukrainian defense ministry says it has killed 20,000 Russians. This figure has not been verified.

Potential recruits were promised that their duties would include controlling occupied territories, guarding roads and military facilities, and improving defense positions.

He said that they have been forced into battle to replace those killed in combat.

The first priority reserve for replenish losses of units who are directly engaged in combat action against Ukraine is the mobilized people.

There have been reports of low morale among Russian forces. The BBC reported earlier this week that Russia's losses in Ukraine included elite troops that take years and millions of dollars to train.

The lawyer for the Russian national guardsmen who were fired for refusing to go to Ukraine told the Financial Times that hundreds of people had contacted him looking for advice on avoiding the war.