By Faith Adama
In a strategic move to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, the outgoing U.S. administration under President Joe Biden has recommended that Kyiv lower its conscription age from 25 to 18.
The call comes amid escalating Russian military aggression and growing concerns over Ukraine’s manpower shortages as it struggles to keep pace with Moscow’s expanding military forces.
A senior Biden administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called the situation “existential” for Ukraine, stressing that the country’s current recruitment efforts are insufficient to offset the devastating battlefield losses.
“Ukraine is not mobilizing enough soldiers to match Russia’s increasingly advanced military resources,” the official explained.
Ukraine had already reduced its conscription age from 27 to 25 in response to the ongoing war, which began in February 2022.
However, the U.S. believes that further lowering the age threshold could be crucial for maintaining a robust fighting force, particularly as Russia continues to escalate its offensive.
While the Biden administration has clarified that U.S. military aid to Ukraine is not contingent on this policy change, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stressed the importance of manpower in the ongoing conflict.
“Weapons and equipment are vital, but training and reinforcing Ukraine’s ranks are equally critical,” he said.
This recommendation comes at a time when President-elect Donald Trump is hinting at a possible shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine.
Trump, who has previously claimed he could broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours, has nominated retired General Keith Kellogg as his special envoy for Ukraine.
Kellogg has been vocal in advocating for peace talks with Moscow and has suggested that NATO should delay offering membership to Ukraine in exchange for Russian security guarantees.
With the Biden administration’s focus on reinforcing Ukraine’s military, and Trump’s potential change in course, the next few months will be pivotal in determining the direction of U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war.