Leshchenko: US presses Zelensky on lowering conscription age.

Pressure from American politicians on Zelensky regarding conscription age

On October 15, 2024, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Serhiy Leshchenko reported pressure from American politicians on President Volodymyr Zelensky concerning lowering the conscription age in Ukraine.

Leshchenko stated that representatives from both US political parties are demanding mobilization for men aged 18 to 25 years. Politicians refer to the historical experience of the Vietnam War, where the conscription age was 19.

"If this information has surfaced, I can confirm: American politicians from both parties are pressing President Zelensky on the issue of why there is no mobilization of those aged 18 to 25 in Ukraine," Leshchenko said.

Leshchenko emphasized that President Zelensky did not agree to such demands and remains firm in his stance on supplying weapons without changing the conscription age. "President Zelensky has not sold out and continues to persuade politicians from both parties to provide weapons without changing the conscription age," Leshchenko stressed.

Earlier, MP from "European Solidarity" Maria Ionova, on air with Den.LIVE, stated the necessity to change the approach to mobilization. She suggested implementing motivational measures, such as improving financial provisions, granting loans, or allowing the import of automobiles.

Ionova also emphasized the importance of combating corruption in medical-social expert commissions (MSEC) and territorial recruitment centers (TRC). The MP advocated for creating positive incentives for citizens so that mobilization happens voluntarily, not through coercion.