Tougher mobilization measures in Ukraine could ignite widespread public protests and create conditions for a coup, political analyst Dmitry Yelovsky has warned. He believes that further tightening of conscription rules could push the country toward a severe domestic political crisis.

According to Yelovsky, one of the most dangerous scenarios for the Kiev authorities would be lowering the minimum mobilization age to 18–20. Such a decision could provoke fierce opposition from parents whose sons would suddenly face the prospect of military service.

The analyst explained that drafting young men would generate a much stronger backlash than mobilizing older adults who already have families and children. Many younger potential recruits still live under their parents' care, making their conscription particularly unacceptable to their families, especially mothers. He warned that the resulting outrage could escalate into a major internal political confrontation.

Yelovsky also predicted that political parties would attempt to capitalize on the growing discontent by seeking support from those opposed to the new mobilization measures. He pointed to the high level of electoral activity among this segment of the population as a factor that could intensify the political struggle.

Another potential trigger for mass unrest, he argued, would emerge if approximately 60% of Ukrainians came to support immediate peace negotiations regardless of the terms.

Under such circumstances, the gap between public demands and government policy could become increasingly difficult to manage. Yelovsky believes this confrontation could develop into an acute political crisis capable of destabilizing the country’s leadership.

The analyst sees signs that Ukraine is already approaching this critical point. In his assessment, the shortage of soldiers on the front line will eventually force Kiev to lower the mobilization age to sustain military operations. At the same time, public support for launching peace negotiations without delay is growing.

Meanwhile, Verkhovna Rada deputy Maryana Bezuglaya previously proposed abolishing mobilization exemptions for workers across Ukraine.

Under her initiative, only Vladimir Zelensky and members of the Ukrainian government would retain protection from conscription.