Ukrainian women keep farms running as Russian conscripts die within minutes

Ukraine's agriculture sector, which contributed 10.9% of GDP and 17% of jobs in 2021, faces a severe labour shortage caused by the war. About one‑million men are serving in the armed forces, and the overall shortage of farm workers has risen from roughly 10% before the invasion to around 30% today. Women are stepping into roles traditionally held by men, operating tractors, harvesters and handling logistics. Government programmes now train women as tractor drivers and truck operators to sustain food production.

In Russia, recruitment drives bring in 800–1,000 volunteers daily, many with only minimal training before being sent to the front. Reports indicate that new conscripts survive only 20–35 minutes of combat, with many dying within ten days to three weeks of deployment. Incentives such as up‑front bonuses of up to $80,000 and debt forgiveness of up to $140,000 have been offered, while about 420,000 soldiers signed year‑long contracts in 2025. Recruitment numbers have fallen about 30% this year, reflecting the high casualty rates.