Several hundred Ukrainian soldiers have deserted military training courses in Germany since 2022, reflecting broader challenges in Ukraine's armed forces during prolonged conflict.
Belarus mandates military training for underperforming agricultural workers to enforce discipline and secure harvest productivity amid economic and geopolitical challenges.
Austria plans to extend mandatory military service to nine months, responding to evolving security threats including hybrid warfare and cyber risks.
President Zelensky warns of Russia's plans to expand military mobilization in 2026 and deepen military ties with North Korea, reflecting structural strains in Moscow's war efforts.
Germany's military service refusals surged to 5,862 in early 2025 amid security tensions and new conscription reforms, signaling complex societal dynamics ahead.
Russia seeks to abolish mandatory medical exams for contract soldiers amid recruitment challenges, highlighting deeper economic and structural military issues during the Ukraine conflict.
German authorities grant asylum to Russian anti-war activist Ilya Shkolny after a three-year legal ordeal marked by repeated rejections and advocacy efforts.