Conscription age in Ukraine may be lowered if partners boost military aid - MP Kniazhytskyi

He shared his opinion on Espreso TV.

"When we talk about the lack of people and the fact that our army is not young, because in order to run and operate in the field with full gear, physical health and strength are required, these are really obvious things. However, at the same time, these young people must be provided with weapons. Right now, the Ukrainian army lacks shells, mines, and we often fight with drones, which saves us, but this is not a solution. Yes, we lack infantry, but it must be armed and supported by serious artillery and air defenses. None of this is available. If we send more people to the front, where they are needed, the question is how to protect them and where to get weapons so that they not only stand in defense but also go on the offensive. Because in reality, we do not have enough weapons even for the number of people already fighting," Kniazhytskyi explained.

According to the lawmaker, the lowering of the conscription age in Ukraine will not happen suddenly. He emphasized that there are currently no relevant bills in parliament.

"If we have guarantees that our Western partners will sufficiently arm us and we will receive weapons for those who are joining the military, then yes – we will have to consider lowering the conscription age. I am not convinced that it should be from 18 years. The number of people is calculated based on the amount of weapons. If right now we can't even arm those who are already in the army, how can we determine at what age to lower the conscription age? Perhaps we will only be provided enough weapons for a certain number of people, and then we may lower the conscription age to 23. No one has calculated this. There are no relevant bills in parliament. And it won't happen immediately, so I want to reassure Ukrainians. However, if anyone is hoping for peace after Trump's inauguration, I must disappoint you – there will be none. I would really like that, but not at the expense of our territories. Right now, Russian leaders are saying that it’s uncertain whether Ukraine will even exist in 2025. So, we will have to keep fighting. And if our partners understand this, and the Trump administration decides to increase assistance to Ukraine, then indeed – we will have to consider lowering the conscription age. However, I want to emphasize again – this won’t happen suddenly," he added.

• The United States did raise the issue of lowering Ukraine's mobilization age to 18, but Kyiv is convinced that military aid is more important.
• Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump stated that preparations are underway for his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.