US Pressure on Zelensky Regarding Mobilization from Age 18? Umerov's Comment.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported that men aged 25 to 60 are subject to mobilization. Partners want to understand why Ukraine does not lower the age for mobilization. This is reported by «Radio Liberty».

«First: there were no discussions about mobilization. Second: we do not comment on rumors. Third: when I am asked about mobilization, I say that we, together with the parliament, have enacted a law (about mobilization, – «Glavkom»), where it is clearly understood how a person enters the perimeter, how he becomes liable for military service, how he is trained, and how he exits the perimeter», – Umerov replied to the question about the alleged US pressure on Ukraine to lower the mobilization age to 18 years.

The minister also stated that partners periodically discuss this issue because they want to understand why Ukraine does not mobilize men aged 18 to 25 years.

«We always want to give a person a choice, so they can decide for themselves. Currently, we are acting according to all legal requirements. The legislation clearly indicates that the age for mobilization starts at 25 years. If someone wishes to come and serve their people, we are always open to this», added the minister.

Earlier, an advisor to the head of the President's Office, former Member of Parliament, and member of the supervisory board of «Ukrzaliznytsia» Sergiy Leshchenko stated that US politicians are pressuring the Ukrainian president regarding the mobilization of men aged 18 to 25 years.

According to him, the partners' argument is that when the US fought in Vietnam, people were drafted starting at 19 years old. Therefore, the Americans «hint that Western weapons alone are not enough», and mobilization from age 18 is necessary, noted Leshchenko.

The Verkhovna Rada passed in the second reading bill No.11379-d on the passage of military service during mobilization by persons who have not reached the age of 25. The law prohibits the mobilization of limited fit men aged 18 to 25 years.