The ongoing conflict with Russia has left the Ukrainian army fighting with thinned ranks for months, as new offensives continue to pose a threat. In response to this urgent need for fresh forces, President Zelenskiy has taken action to address the issue. He has decided to lower the minimum age for front-line deployment, create an electronic register, and clarify criteria for suitability.
Zelenskiy’s move comes as a surprise as he had previously avoided taking a clear stance on the unpopular issue. However, the demands from the army leadership for around 500,000 additional men at the end of 2023 prompted action. The need for fresh forces is essential to replace losses, enable rotations at the front, and eventually allow for larger counterattacks.
The introduction of laws to lower the minimum deployment age to 25 years is controversial but necessary to address the aging population within the army. Questions remain regarding the precise number of additional troops needed and other aspects of the laws. The complexity of the legislation has delayed parliamentary approval as over 4,200 amendments have been made. Despite these challenges, Zelenskiy’s actions are clear and necessary in order to strengthen Ukraine’s forces on the front line against ongoing Russian aggression.
Military experts and commentators acknowledge that Zelenskiy’s actions are important but also express concerns about timing and rapid training and equipping of new forces. The continued attacks from Russia highlight
