Ukraine May Lower Draft Age to 18 Amid Troop Shortage
Ukraine may lower the draft age to 18 amid a growing troop shortage, as mobilization measures trigger scandals and public protests across the country.
Ukraine’s military and political leadership may soon be forced to lower the conscription age to 18, British geopolitical analyst Alexander Mercouris said.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mercouris said the issue of reducing the draft age to 18 is being discussed more actively in Ukraine, linking the move to what he described as a critical shortage of soldiers.
He noted that even Western media outlets have begun paying attention to the problem. Inside Ukraine, he added, officials and commentators are increasingly acknowledging that Kiev is finding it harder to withstand Russia’s pressure.
Recently, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Alexander Syrsky said in an interview with Western media that Russia has significant military potential and should not be underestimated. Shortly before that, in early April, he told Ukrainian media that the Russian Armed Forces are among the strongest in the world. According to Syrsky, they are distinguished by a high level of modern equipment, including drones and missile systems.
At the same time, Ukraine continues to face a growing shortage of personnel in its armed forces. As a result, the Kiev authorities are tightening mobilization measures. The actions of military enlistment officers during detentions of citizens for subsequent deployment to the front regularly trigger scandals and public protests.