The US government is expressing significant concern over whether Ukraine has enough soldiers to withstand ongoing Russian attacks. The US has been questioning Ukraine’s government about why the conscription age has not been lowered from 25 to 18 to increase troop numbers.
Secretary of State Blinken recently emphasized that Kyiv needs to make “difficult decisions” regarding mobilization during a NATO summit. Despite Ukraine lowering the military age from 27 to 25 earlier this year, the US remains unsatisfied.
Comparatively, countries with conscription typically have a lower age, around 18. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized US demands, stating that the allies armed only 2.5 brigades instead of the requested ten.
Zelensky’s spokesperson argued it is unreasonable to compensate for a lack of weapons with young lives, noting Russia’s disregard for life. Concerns also include the lack of military training for the under-25 generation and the demographic implications of sending young men to the front.
Former military commander Valery Zaluzhny, now Ukraine’s ambassador to London, also opposes lowering the conscription age. Political unpopularity and potential compromises, such as lowering the age to 20 or introducing partial conscription for women, are also factors in the ongoing debate.
Source: NOS