Ukraine Rejects US Push to Lower Conscription Age to 18 Amidst Blinken's Advocacy

Dec 5, 2024, 05:47 AM

Ukrainian officials have resisted calls from Washington to lower the conscription age to 18, despite ongoing pressure from the U.S. government. The push to draft younger Ukrainians comes amidst a backdrop where 64% of Ukrainians favor peace negotiations, highlighting a stark contrast in priorities between the Ukrainian populace and U.S. foreign policy objectives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25 in April, a move that was met with resistance. Critics argue that lowering the draft age further would lead to severe domestic consequences and potentially 'destroy the Ukrainian people,' as voiced by a Ukrainian mother. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been identified as a key figure advocating for this change, aiming to bolster Ukraine's military manpower in the ongoing conflict.