ZAPORIZHZHIA REGION, Ukraine - Mr Oleksandr Taran's mobile artillery unit isn't officially part of Ukraine's military, but that hasn't stopped his men from destroying Russian targets on their own dime. 'We ... get by thanks to the pension fund,' the 68-year-old commander, whose call sign is 'Grandpa', said with a chuckle.
The Steppe Wolves, an all-volunteer unit, is made up of dozens of Ukrainian men mostly over 60 years old who are considered too old to be drafted but still want to fight.ZAPORIZHZHIA REGION, Ukraine - Mr Oleksandr Taran's mobile artillery unit isn't officially part of Ukraine's military, but that hasn't stopped his men from destroying Russian targets on their own dime.
Roving behind the front line with truck-mounted rocket launchers, they take orders from field commanders and work with other troops, contributing to the war effort despite lacking official support from the military. "The commanders that provide us with targets are happy," said a 63-year-old fighter with the call sign "Zorro".Taran, the commander, said his unit has been attempting to officially join Ukraine's armed forces to directly receive ammunition - and salaries - but has been unsuccessful.More than two years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine's mobilisation effort is struggling amid flagging enthusiasm.
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