Ukrainian grandfather leads unit of over 60s against Russian forces – Reuters

“We … get by because of the pension fund,” the 68-year-old commander, whose code name is “Grandpa,” said with a wry smile.
His volunteer unit, the Steppe Wolves, is made up of dozens of mostly Ukrainian men over 60, considered too old to be drafted but still willing to fight.

Patrolling behind the front lines with truck-mounted rocket launchers, they receive orders from field commanders and work with other troops, contributing to the war effort despite a lack of official support from the military.
The unit is funded by donations and is equipped with defective projectiles that they repair themselves, as well as weapons captured from enemies. Both are delivered to them by frontline troops.

When Reuters recently visited their base in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, they were preparing 122mm Grad rockets, which were later fired by troops from another unit.

“The commanders who supply us with targets are happy,” said a 63-year-old fighter codenamed “Zorro”.

“They give us more targets (and) help us with ammunition in any way they can.”

Taran, the commander, said his unit tried to formally join Ukraine’s military to receive direct ammunition — and pay — but was unsuccessful.
The unit also includes younger men declared unfit for combat.

Desire and ability

More than two years after Russia’s all-out invasion, Ukraine’s mobilization effort faces a waning lack of enthusiasm. Russian troops have advanced in the east, and analysts say Ukraine’s troop shortage must be addressed. Some prominent Ukrainian and foreign supporters of the war effort have urged Zelenskiy to significantly lower the age of conscription. Earlier this month, Zelenskiy approved new measures allowing the military to call in more troops and tighten penalties for evasion. It also reduced the age of mobilization from 27 to 25.

Taran, who has been fighting since Moscow started the war in 2014, said coercion was unlikely to replace the genuine enthusiasm of a potential recruit. “Hit him with a stick if you want, but he won’t fight,” he said. “If a person wants, he can go forward for 100 years to fulfill his tasks and destroy the enemy.”

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow DCNews on Google News as well