Ukraine’s military is in urgent need of reinforcements, and President Volodymyr Zelensky is responding by lowering the recruitment age to bolster its ranks. In a recent announcement, Zelensky revealed plans to expand recruitment efforts, focusing on men aged 18 to 24.
Although conscription is mandatory for men over 24, the government is hoping to encourage younger individuals to enlist through a variety of incentives, including significant financial rewards.
“I visited the front on Saturday, and specific brigades are requesting more young specialists,” Zelensky said. “This initiative will extend to the National Guard and border units, ensuring our defense forces are equipped for the challenges ahead.”
The new recruitment campaign, launched in February, promises 1 million hryvnia (around $24,000) for a year of service, along with benefits like free dental care and the option to leave Ukraine after fulfilling the contract. The government has even highlighted the value of the offer by comparing it to how many cheeseburgers or Netflix subscriptions recruits could afford. However, critics argue this approach trivializes the seriousness of military service.
While the minimum conscription age was previously reduced from 27 to 25 last year, the push to lower it further comes amid mounting pressure from Western allies, particularly the US, which has encouraged Ukraine to enlist younger soldiers. This move comes as the Ukrainian army faces demographic challenges and struggles to maintain effective fighting forces.
Meanwhile, Zelensky’s efforts to ramp up mobilization come as the US works behind the scenes to negotiate a truce with Russia. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached, Moscow has accused Ukraine of failing to uphold its end, and tensions continue to rise.
