Zelenskyy comments on calls to lower draft age to 18
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine should not compensate for the lack of equipment and training with the youth of soldiers. The focus should be on equipping existing brigades, reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"There’s a lot of discussion in the media about lowering the draft age for Ukrainians to go to the frontlines. We must focus on equipping existing brigades and training personnel to use this equipment. We must not compensate for the lack of equipment and training with the youth of soldiers," Zelenskyy wrote in his post.
The president emphasized that the priority should be the supply of missiles and reducing Russia's military potential rather than lowering the conscription age in Ukraine. He stressed that the goal should be to preserve as many lives as possible, not to keep weapons in storage.
"The most important thing is to work together on how to end this war — that is our top priority. During the meeting in Paris, this was exactly what we focused on, and it was a very productive conversation. I reiterate my gratitude to President Macron for organizing it, as well as my deep gratitude to President Trump for his strong resolve to bring this war to a fair end," Zelenskyy highlighted.
The president added that this is the right approach, and all details must be thoroughly worked out to ensure a truly lasting peace.
Zelenskyy also wrote that the United States is capable of achieving extraordinary results. To succeed in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, unity among the US, Europe, and all those who value security, as well as strong positions and peace guarantees, are needed.
"I told President Trump that Putin fears only him and, perhaps, China. And that’s the truth — only decisiveness can bring this war to a just end and ensure lasting peace. Action is needed now to restore the proper international order," he concluded.
On December 9, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that if Ukraine lowers its conscription age to 18, all new recruits will be fully equipped.
As a reminder, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Rada's National Security Committee, responded to whether Ukraine plans to lower the conscription age.
He stated that no legislative initiatives to lower the conscription age are being considered in Parliament. Furthermore, the idea of mandatory conscription for women is not being discussed.
