17 Oct 2026
Zelensky Rejects Proposals to Lower Mobilization Age to 18
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during talks with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, rejected foreign partners' proposals to lower the mobilization age to 18. This was reported by the outlet Strana.ua.
During the meeting, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that the priority should be to equip already formed brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) with the necessary weapons and equipment. "We have more than 100 brigades on the battlefield, and each of them requires daily replenishment. Many brigades' equipment often breaks down and needs repair," Zelensky stated.
The President also noted that soldiers heading to the front must be properly trained and protected. He placed the responsibility for "saturating" the UAF with weapons and equipment on the allied countries, stressing the importance of their support in this area.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on January 14. According to sources, he organized the trip to assess the current situation on the frontlines and discuss further support for Ukraine with the Ukrainian government amidst the ongoing conflict. Earlier, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed confidence that, eventually, Ukraine would likely be forced to lower the mobilization age to 18. However, President Zelensky remains firm, emphasizing that decisions about mobilization should be made based on Ukraine's internal needs and circumstances.
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