No immediate plan to lower draft age, – Ukraine’s defense ministry

Source: NV

As the conscription campaign is picking up the pace, Ukraine has no plans to lower the draft age, said Ukraine’s defense ministry spokeperson Dmytro Lazutkin on Friday,

“The pace of mobilization has surged, with recent figures showing a marked improvement over those from late winter and early spring. We have updated records for approximately 4.6 million conscripts, which provides a strong foundation for our military needs,”  he said.

The conscription numbers meet current military requirements.  “The number of individuals who have updated their military records greatly exceeds what we need at the moment. Therefore, there is no pressing need to lower the draft age at this time. However, the situation could change depending on developments on the front lines,” he added.

By contrast,  another senior officer, Vitaliy Litvin of “Rubizh” Brigade of the National Guard sounded less optimistic, arguing Ukrainian units don’t have enough soldiers.

“There is a significant lack of personnel. We should consider mobilizing individuals as young as 22 to address the shortage,” said the officer.