Ukraine has reduced its military conscription age from 27 to 25 in response to Russia's full-scale invasion, aiming to replenish its depleted ranks after over two years of conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the new mobilization law into force, following its passage by Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada.
The law, designated as 9281, is a strategic move to address the pressing shortage of infantry and severe ammunition shortfall, which have given Russia the upper hand in the ongoing war.
Despite the urgent need to bolster its forces, the impact of the law's implementation may be limited. Ukraine has approximately half a million men aged 25-27, among whom some are unfit for service, have left, or are in the reserve.
Therefore, the new law is projected to recruit only around 10% of the military's desired goal of 500,000 new soldiers.
The average age of Ukrainian soldiers is estimated to be around 40, indicating a critical need to inject younger manpower into the military.
However, there are concerns that this move could further strain the war-torn economy by removing young adults from the workforce.
Nonetheless, with the anticipated summer offensive by Russian forces, Ukraine faces an immediate necessity for additional troops.
Draft evasion and insufficient soldiers to launch offensives or maintain positions during Russian assaults remain significant challenges for the Ukrainian government.
Despite these difficulties, public support for the war in Ukraine remains high.
Simultaneously, Ukraine's air force reported successfully downing four drones launched by Russia overnight.
Russian attacks across Ukraine continue to wreak havoc, prompting Zelenskyy to appeal to Ukraine's Western allies for increased air defense systems to counter these ongoing assaults.