A senior U.S. official has called on Ukraine to lower the age of military conscription to 18, a proposal made in response to growing concerns over Ukraine's ability to replace its battlefield losses. The official highlighted the increasing progress made by Russian forces and argued that bolstering Ukraine's manpower could help reverse this trend. “Mobilization and more manpower could make a significant difference at this time,” the official stated, noting Russia’s recent advances in the eastern region.

Ukraine’s current mobilization age is set at 25, following a law passed in April 2024 that lowered it from 27. However, the U.S. government believes that the country is struggling to recruit and train sufficient soldiers, with an estimated 160,000 additional troops needed. While the Biden administration continues to support Ukraine with military aid, the ongoing shortages in manpower are becoming a critical issue, as the U.S. official pointed out.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office has pushed back against the suggestion, arguing that the real issue lies in delays of promised military aid, including vital equipment such as armored vehicles. Dmytro Lytvyn, Zelensky’s communications advisor, expressed frustration over the lack of timely deliveries, stating that it makes little sense to lower the mobilization age when the country is unable to properly equip the troops it already has. He also emphasized that the focus should be on resolving logistical delays and increasing support from international partners.

The U.S. administration’s pressure on Ukraine comes amid mounting concerns that Russia is gaining momentum on the frontlines, with some analysts noting that the pace of Russian advances is the fastest seen since the initial days of the 2022 invasion. Ukraine has struggled with mobilizing sufficient forces to maintain its defense, and the U.S. has suggested that lowering the conscription age could help address the imbalance. However, Ukraine remains wary of the demographic challenges this could exacerbate.

In addition to the U.S. pressure, Germany has also privately urged Ukraine to consider lowering the conscription age. Nonetheless, the issue remains highly sensitive, with concerns that mobilizing younger people could further strain Ukraine's social fabric and its ability to support an extended war effort.

Background:

The background to these discussions is rooted in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. Since then, Ukraine has relied heavily on international support, including military aid and training, to resist Russian advances. While the U.S. has been a staunch ally, concerns are rising over the sustainability of Ukraine’s military efforts as the war stretches into its third year, particularly with manpower shortages and delays in military supply chains.