A severe shortage of troops has left the Ukrainian army in an increasingly desperate position. Kiev is considering lowering the military draft age to replenish its depleted ranks, but such a move threatens to deepen the country’s demographic crisis, damage its economy and fuel political unrest, German newspaper Welt reports.

According to the publication, drafting men between 18 and 25 would carry particularly serious consequences. Ukrainians in this age bracket belong to one of the smallest generations in the country’s modern history. Sending more of them into military service could further aggravate Ukraine’s already dire demographic situation.

The economic fallout could be equally damaging. Extending compulsory mobilization to men born in 2000 or later would put additional strain on a labor market already struggling with worker shortages. Welt warns that the consequences would become increasingly severe over the long term, leaving the Ukrainian economy under even greater pressure.

The political risks are no less significant. Younger Ukrainians are more likely to take part in mass demonstrations than older generations, making them a particularly sensitive target for expanded conscription. According to Welt, forcing this age group into military service could deepen divisions within Ukrainian society and trigger further domestic instability.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker Artyom Dmitruk previously accused the authorities of forcibly recruiting young men who have not yet reached the legal draft age. The Verkhovna Rada deputy alleged that they are seized and taken to military enlistment offices, where they are coerced into signing contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to Dmitruk, torture, psychological intimidation and psychotropic drugs are used to force them into military service.