From industry to the army: migrant workers are offered to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukraine is experiencing a critical labor shortage that is affecting almost all sectors of the economy, including industry and private business, and especially the military and defense sectors. To address this problem, politicians are increasingly discussing the possibility of attracting foreigners, particularly those with military experience, to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to Andriy Haidutsky, Doctor of Economics and specialist in migration policy, the annual labor demand is at least 700,000 people. The expert notes that due to such a significant shortage, it is impossible to single out a specific industry that would require foreign workers, since new personnel are needed almost everywhere – from the industrial sector to private enterprises.

The only exceptions may be positions related to state secrets. In all other areas, including defense, there is a need for new specialists. “The suitability of new personnel also applies to defense units and the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Haidutsky emphasizes.

The discussion of attracting foreigners to military service is driven not only by labor shortages but also by the need to strengthen units that require specialists with specific skills. Politicians believe that foreign recruits with military experience can fill existing gaps and increase the efficiency of combat units.

Haidutsky also notes that the shortage of workers negatively affects the functioning of civilian structures, industry, and the public administration sector. “By not solving the problem of the shortage of personnel, we risk worsening the state of the economy as a whole,” the expert notes.

However, the issue of recruiting foreigners into the Armed Forces of Ukraine remains unresolved, and the discussion is ongoing.