Biden admin urges Ukraine to lower draft age to 18 to replenish fighting force

President Biden’s administration is calling on Ukraine to lower its draft age in order to conscript 18-year-olds to bolster its military forces as Russia continues to expand its military presence. This push comes nearly three years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, prompting the urgent need for reinforcements.

According to a senior Biden administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press, Ukraine’s current draft age of 25 is insufficient to address the growing disparity between its forces and Russia’s military might. The official emphasized the necessity of lowering the draft age to ensure Ukraine can adequately replace battlefield losses and keep up with Russia’s escalating forces.

In response to this call, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently signed a law lowering the military conscription age from 27 to 25. However, there are concerns among Ukrainians that increasing the number of young adults entering the military could further strain the country’s already fragile economy, which has been heavily impacted by years of conflict.

Despite having over 1 million Ukrainians in uniform, including the National Guard and other units, officials estimate that an additional 160,000 troops are needed to effectively compete on the battlefield. The Biden administration believes that even more troops may be required, emphasizing that addressing Ukraine’s manpower shortage is a priority over providing military equipment.

Sean Savett, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that while the administration will continue to supply Ukraine with weaponry, manpower remains the most critical need for the country. The U.S. has already allocated over $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with plans to send additional support before Biden’s term ends in two months.

Looking ahead, President-elect Trump has pledged to swiftly end the war upon taking office on Jan. 20, 2025. However, there are concerns about the continuity of military support for Ukraine under his administration. As the situation continues to evolve, both Ukraine and its international allies are working to address the pressing need for additional troops and resources to defend against Russian aggression.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and safeguard its sovereignty in the face of external threats. The commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities reflects a shared commitment to upholding security and stability in the region.