Zelenskyy addresses calls to lower Ukraine's mobilization age
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Before increasing the size of the Ukrainian army, it is necessary to equip the existing units with sufficient weapons and equipment. Currently, more than 100 brigades on the front line need to be fully staffed, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
"I won’t provide a very specific number because it’s dangerous. But we have over 100 brigades on the battlefield, and each needs to be fully equipped with gear and equipment daily," Zelenskyy noted.
According to him, one of the main issues remains the lack of necessary equipment.
"Equipment — armored vehicles, artillery, everything needed in each brigade. However, a large number of brigades constantly have equipment breaking down or requiring repairs," the president emphasized.
He pointed out that before considering increasing the size of the army, it is necessary to provide existing units with sufficient weapons and technical equipment.
"A soldier must be protected. Not just protected but equipped with the proper weapons and knowledge. This is what our partners should provide the Ukrainian army with," the head of state added.
Zelenskyy stressed that allied support should focus not only on increasing the size of the army but also on its technical modernization.
Lowering the mobilization age in Ukraine
At the end of November 2024, it became known that the United States had repeatedly urged Ukraine to lower the mobilization age to 18. The US believes that the main issue facing the Ukrainian army is a shortage of personnel.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opposes such an initiative. According to him, age does not matter when Ukrainian soldiers still lack sufficient weapons.
Read more about whether mobilization from the age of 18 will be implemented and whether it makes sense in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
