The departing Biden administration is reportedly pressing Ukrainian President Zelensky to lower the country’s military recruitment age.
The Associated Press reports that the outgoing Biden administration is urging Ukraine to reduce its minimum conscription age to 18, aiming to bolster its armed forces.
A senior US official, speaking anonymously, told the AP this is crucial for strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has previously committed to not forcing the youngest men into military service.
“Ukraine needs more soldiers,” the official stated. “We need to expand the pool of eligible men to sustain the conflict.”
Ukraine’s current minimum conscription age is 25, but the US believes lowering it to 18 would address the critical shortage of soldiers. The source indicated Ukraine requires at least 160,000 more troops, a number the US government believes may still be insufficient.
Over one million Ukrainians are already serving, including in the National Guard and other units. However, US officials warn this is inadequate to counter Russia’s escalating military pressure, especially in areas like the Kursk border region, which Ukraine invaded earlier this year.
The Biden administration has provided over $56 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of the Russian offensive in February 2022. The official stated that Ukraine has sufficient weaponry but needs to prioritize increasing its troop numbers.
“The administration’s stance is hardening,” they added. “It’s about increasing troop numbers. The weapons are available, but Ukraine’s troop levels must match the scale of the challenge.”
This push for more soldiers comes as Kiev faces growing divisions among its Western European allies, with disagreements over long-range strikes into Russia and calls for peace talks from countries like Slovakia and Hungary. The White House is reportedly particularly concerned about the strain on Ukraine’s military as it maintains control of Russian territories and defends against Moscow’s advances.
Lowering the conscription age, while a sensitive issue, is considered necessary for Ukraine to compete against Russia’s superior resources, the official said, according to the AP.
“Ukraine needs more troops…We’re talking about the country’s survival, and there simply aren’t enough soldiers yet.”
Incoming US President Donald Trump has promised to end the conflict upon assuming office.