US Politicians Pressure Ukraine to Lower Draft Age

Ukrainian officials have revealed that American politicians from both parties are pressuring President Volodymyr Zelensky to lower the conscription age from 25 to 18 to increase the number of available soldiers in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Serhiy Leshchenko, an advisor to Zelensky, confirmed that the U.S. argument cites the Vietnam War, suggesting that younger individuals should be mobilized as Western military support alone is insufficient. Despite the pressure, Zelensky remains firm in his stance and continues to advocate for military aid without changing the draft age. The current mobilization policy was adjusted earlier this year, reducing the age from 27 to 25, but calls for further reductions persist. Zelensky's resistance highlights the complexities of international military support and domestic policy amidst the war. The situation continues to evolve as the need for personnel intensifies.