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Will lowering conscription age strengthen Ukraine’s military against Russia?
As part of conscription efforts for the 22-month-old war against Russia, Ukraine is considering a major adjustment to its military conscription age, shifting it from 27 down to 25.
Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi holds a press conference, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 26, 2023. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
The proposal, described in a draft law published on the website of the parliament, is in fact a response to the military’s request to use some 450,000 to 500,000 more Ukrainians.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though not personally endorsing the plan, has admitted its sensitivity, saying that the military and the government must have many detailed discussions before any decision is made.
The Argument
The lowering of the conscription age has generated controversy and social media discussion. “If I was satisfied with their work, we would not be here discussing this draft law (on mobilisation),” said Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, as he expressed dissatisfaction with the work of military draft offices around the country.
This is seen as a reaction to a lack of interest in voluntary enlistment, as in the early days of the war with Russia, tens of thousands initially volunteered. The goal is to resolve problems facing the military in keeping troop levels as well as troop quality in an extended war.
The Facts
Ukraine proposes the age of conscription to its military from 27 to 25 years which would mean getting around 400.000 soldiers more. Zaluzhnyi has stated that solutions to the military’s difficulties are needed and added that society needs answers to some difficult questions.
The seriousness of the situation is clear from the chief’s frustration with draft offices and the acknowledgement of a large mobilization plan. If implemented, these reforms would be an important step toward the necessary adjustments to changing war dynamics.
The debates about changing conscription show the difficulties Ukraine has in maintaining popular support and military effectiveness as the war goes on.
