WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is pushing Ukraine to bolster its military forces amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. A senior official from the Biden administration has expressed the need for Ukraine to increase its troop numbers by lowering the mobilization age to 18, down from the current age of 25. The official emphasized the urgency for Ukraine to enhance its fighting capacity to effectively combat Russia on the battlefield.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the White House has provided Ukraine with over $56 billion in security assistance, with plans to send additional funds before Biden’s term ends. However, the Biden administration now believes that Ukraine must focus on increasing its troop levels rather than solely relying on weaponry to confront Russia.
According to White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, Ukraine’s most critical requirement at the moment is manpower. Savett mentioned that the administration is prepared to enhance training programs for Ukrainian troops if they take necessary steps to fill their ranks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European allies have echoed concerns over Ukraine’s troop shortage, emphasizing the need to bolster their fighting forces.
As Ukraine prepares for President-elect Donald Trump to take office, there is apprehension regarding the future of U.S. military support for the country. Trump has indicated intentions to swiftly end the conflict, raising uncertainty about ongoing assistance to Ukraine. The Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has suggested that lowering the draft age could potentially address Ukraine’s manpower shortage.
Despite efforts to broaden the pool of draft-eligible men, Ukraine’s parliament has not been able to enlist enough soldiers to meet the demands of the ongoing war. While some Western partners advocate for lowering the draft age, Ukrainian officials believe that addressing equipment shortages is equally crucial. Ukraine aims to optimize its current forces and tackle challenges like desertion and absenteeism within its ranks.