«Partners of Ukraine call for lowering the mobilization age from 25 years» – Fedor Venislavsky.

Mobilization age below 25 years is not considered

As of today, the Ukrainian authorities are not considering lowering the mobilization age below 25 years. This was reported by a member of the National Security Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Fedor Venislavsky, during a press conference at the Ukrainian Media Center. Venislavsky noted that currently there are no initiatives to reduce the age for mobilization. However, Ukraine's international partners periodically raise this issue, considering the age of 18-25 years the most effective for army service.

There are no initiatives regarding the reduction of the conscription age below 25 years at the moment. - Fedor Venislavsky.

According to Venislavsky, mobilization in Ukraine meets the needs of the military leadership. The main goal of the law on strengthening mobilization is to determine the number of citizens that can be mobilized, including those residing in Ukraine and abroad, and who have the right to deferment.

Venislavsky also noted that the Reserve+ TCC system has significantly simplified the process of notifying conscripts. However, demobilization should not be expected at the moment due to the complex situation on the frontline and the increase of the aggressor's armed forces.

If we are talking about the fight for our own existence, we need a decision to lower the age for participation in combat actions. - Fedor Venislavsky.

He also emphasized that demobilization usually does not occur until the end of hostilities, as the situation on the frontline remains complex, and the aggressor country is trying to increase the number of its armed forces. The Verkhovna Rada has instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to consider the possibility of lowering the age for army service.

Previously, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed a law in which the conscription age was reduced to 25 years. However, the Ministry of Defense did not support the bill, which would have granted the right to deferment from mobilization to men under 25 who were deemed partially fit. Instances of young people being drafted into the army before reaching 25 years are not uncommon and cause resonance.

The diagnosis "partially fit" has been canceled, and now there are only categories "fit" and "unfit" for military service during martial law.