Mobilization for ages 18 to 25: Zelensky's team announced changes.
Mobilization for Ages 18 to 25: Zelensky's Office Announces Changes
In the coming days, the Office of the President of Ukraine is set to propose amendments to legislation and presidential decrees regarding the conscription of men aged 18 to 25.
This was stated in a comment to journalists by Mykola Shchur, an advisor to the Office of National Security and Defense.
"There will be a comprehensive set of changes to both legislation and presidential decrees. Various levels of amendments to the documents are expected. I believe a presentation will take place in the coming days. Technical details are currently being coordinated, and some things may still change. A working group has been established, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and public organizations. A concept has been developed," the Office of the President informed us.
Officials do not rule out that the proposals will be reviewed at the meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
The Office of the President emphasizes that this concerns a voluntary contract for men aged 18 to 25 who are not subject to mobilization and whom they aim to encourage, including financially.
In turn, former spokesperson of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff and military expert Vladyslav Seleznev states that first of all, it is essential to consider the differences in physical endurance between 18, 19, and 20-year-olds compared to, for instance, 23 and 25-year-olds.
"I believe this factor remains crucial. Secondly, under national legislation, citizens aged 18 and older can currently enter into contracts on a voluntary basis and be conscripted into the Ukrainian army," Seleznev notes.
He adds: "The case related to certain incentives and benefits for this category of Ukrainian citizens is a positive development. The search for such options to encourage the conscription of citizens aged 18 to 25 is an excellent initiative. Any opportunities aimed at strengthening mobilization processes are beneficial for us. Of course, young men aged 18 to 25 are generally more effective and skilled on the battlefield than our fellow citizens aged 50 and above."
When asked whether there will be enough arms for this essentially new military force, Seleznev responds: "We often hear from those on the battlefield that there is a shortage of personnel. The case for military equipment and arms supplies from our overseas partners allows us to confidently navigate the first half of 2025. Supplies are stable and have not been halted. The delivery of weapons and ammunition is ongoing, as President Zelensky mentioned during the forum in Davos. The question of trained, motivated personnel remains relevant. It is not walls that protect territories, but personnel. The benefit of this can be found in seeking certain compromises and options."
According to Seleznev, military history across different eras shows that there were instances when 18-year-olds went to fight during World War II.
"For example, the Vietnam War lasted 15 years. Young individuals aged 18 and older were also participants. Here, the question is not so much about age as it is about proper preparation. We have work to do in this area — with the personnel of training centers, training grounds, and others."