In autumn 2025, Ukraine’s frontline units are critically understaffed, with many brigades operating at only 30–48% of their required strength. The most acute shortages are in infantry, where some units are staffed at as low as 20–30% of full capacity. This has led to gaps of 200 meters to over 1 kilometer between positions, allowing Russian forces to infiltrate and bypass Ukrainian defenses.

Despite mobilizing around 30,000 people per month, only a third are combat-ready, and many are returning from AWOL rather than new recruits. The shortfall is estimated at 50,000–100,000 personnel needed to fully staff depleted units. The situation is worsened by inadequate training, high casualty rates, and political reluctance to lower the conscription age or enforce stricter mobilization.

In summary, Ukraine’s frontline forces in autumn 2025 are severely undermanned, with infantry units most affected, and the deficit remains tens of thousands strong.