The Biden administration is pressing Ukraine to lower its draft age to 18 from 25, aiming to bolster its military forces as the nearly three-year conflict with Russia intensifies. A senior U.S. official said Wednesday that Ukraine must address troop shortages to replace battlefield losses and keep pace with Russia’s growing military, especially as North Korean troops bolster Moscow’s ranks.
While Ukraine’s parliament has taken steps to expand conscription, including reducing the maximum draft age to 25, officials say these measures fall short of the estimated 160,000 additional troops needed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has resisted lowering the mobilization age, citing equipment shortages and the risk of further economic strain.
The urgency comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, raising uncertainty about continued U.S. military support. European allies and the U.S. emphasize that Ukraine’s manpower gap poses a critical challenge in sustaining its fight against Russia.
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