Trump Adviser Urges Ukraine to Lower Conscription Age to 18 to Address Manpower Issues and Stabilize Front Lines

Jan 13, 2025, 05:10 AM

Donald Trump's incoming National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, has urged Ukraine to lower its conscription age from 26 to 18 years old. This recommendation comes as part of an effort to address Ukraine's manpower issues on the battlefield and to stabilize the front lines ahead of potential negotiations with Russia. Waltz emphasized the necessity of this move, stating that if Ukraine expects global support for democracy, it must also fully commit to its defense efforts. The suggestion aligns with previous calls from the Biden administration to increase Ukraine's military forces by revising mobilization legislation. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has countered that the more urgent need is for Western arms and training rather than lowering the draft age.