**Women Make Up 21% of Ukraine’s Army Recruitment Center Applicants**
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has reported that women make up 21% of applicants at the country’s army recruitment centers. This comes as a total of 42,366 Ukrainians have applied to join the military since recruitment centers began operations.
The highest number of female candidates is coming from western regions, including Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, and Ternopil oblasts. The most sought-after positions among applicants include drone operators, drivers, and special forces personnel.
**Mobilization Efforts**
Ukraine operates 48 recruitment centers, including an online platform, to guide and support potential recruits. However, mobilization efforts have slowed in recent months, leaving front-line units depleted. Russian forces continue to maintain a numerical advantage, allowing them to advance in eastern Ukraine despite sustaining heavy casualties.
**New Contract for Volunteers**
The Ukrainian government has approved a one-year contract for volunteers aged 18-24, offering financial incentives and social benefits to boost recruitment efforts.
**Global Support for Ukraine**
International leaders have expressed continued support for Ukraine. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for decisive leadership to accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the international community. The UK has imposed its largest-ever package of sanctions against Russia, targeting tankers and foreign-based companies providing military parts to Russia.
**Peace Negotiations**
The White House has announced that a peace deal with Russia could be hashed out this week. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism about the possibility of a lasting peace agreement. He cited Russia’s consistent violation of ceasefires and called for continued international support to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses.
**New Military Aid**
The US, Canada, and European Union have pledged new military aid to Ukraine, including infantry fighting vehicles, combat support vehicles, and flight simulators.