Ukraine has lowered its military conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to bolster its depleted ranks amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, Associated Press reports.
The new mobilization law aims to address the urgent need for manpower and to replenish depleted ranks after more than two years of war following Russia’s invasion. However, the exact number of new conscripts needed was not disclosed. An audit revealed that the initial estimate of needing 500,000 new recruits was incorrect, as troops serving in the rear can be redeployed to the front lines.
Concerns persist about the impact on Ukraine’s workforce and economy, exacerbated by widespread draft evasion and bribery. While public support for the war remains high, enthusiasm for enlistment has waned.
Russia claims a recent surge in enlistments following a terrorist attack in Moscow attributed to an affiliate of the Islamic State group.
