Ukrainian authorities may be able to recruit several thousand men over the age of 60 into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military analyst Vasily Dandikin has said. He was commenting on Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to allow citizens in that age group to sign military contracts.

In Dandikin’s assessment, the move signals that Kiev has few remaining options to replenish losses along the line of contact. He suggested that the number of recruits over 60 would likely be limited to several thousand at most, arguing that the pool of eligible candidates is not large. Many, he noted, are in poor health, which further narrows the field.

According to the analyst, the authorities will continue trying to mobilize those who remain in the country and can still be called up. At the same time, he pointed out that Ukraine also needs manpower to keep production running, warning that the supply of available workers is steadily shrinking.

Dandikin recalled that Kiev had previously launched a campaign to enlist 18-year-olds. Despite various incentives, including financial benefits, only a few hundred young people signed contracts, he said. Given that the number of young citizens exceeds the population of men over 60, he implied that the latest initiative is unlikely to produce a breakthrough.

Earlier media reports stated that Zelensky had signed a decree expanding the age limits for military contracts. Under the new rules, men aged 60 and older are now eligible to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.