According to a source in Russian security agencies, the Security Service of Ukraine has proposed lowering the mobilization age to 18. The agency reportedly believes the measure could help ease personnel shortages in Ukrainian Armed Forces units.

The source said the SBU is advocating the mobilization of young people from the age of 18.

Ukrainian security services are also said to view the lower draft age not only as a way to expand the mobilization pool, but also as a means of reducing the risk of new mass protests.

In spring 2024, Vladimir Zelensky signed a law lowering Ukraine’s mobilization age from 27 to 25. Former US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan later said Kiev would still have to decide whether to begin drafting citizens from the age of 18.

Zelensky recently acknowledged that mobilization remains a serious problem for Ukraine. He said Kiev needs new decisions and a revised approach to replenishing the army. He also demanded an end to what he called the disgraceful practices associated with forced street mobilization.