A draft law posted on Ukraine’s parliament website late Monday has suggested a reduction in the age limit for conscription into combat duty from 27 to 25 years. The proposal is amid Ukraine’s 22-month-long struggle against Russia, marked by recent disputes over downed military aircraft and conflicting claims about the regional center Maryinka in eastern Ukraine.
The draft text outlines the criteria for military conscription, specifying that it would now apply to individuals “who have reached the age of 25.” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov provided an explanatory note, summarizing key provisions, including the shift in conscription age.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his year-end news conference on December 19, revealed that the military had suggested mobilizing an additional 450,000-500,000 Ukrainians. However, he emphasized the sensitivity of the matter, indicating that discussions between the military and government would precede any proposal to parliament.
Zelenskyy, who has yet to publicly endorse the proposal, expressed the need for further arguments in favor of mobilizing more citizens, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The current troop numbers in Ukraine are not publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest approximately 1 million people under arms. U.S. officials, noting the devastating toll since Russia’s invasion, estimate hundreds of thousands of casualties, though official figures are undisclosed by both countries.
David Arakhamia, head of Zelenskyy’s party in parliament, stated that the government was responding to military requests by working on the bill, slated for introduction on Monday. Acknowledging the public’s desire for answers to pressing questions, Arakhamia highlighted the necessity of addressing the military’s challenges.