Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved legislation that reduces the military mobilization age from 27 to 25 years old, aiming to bolster the country’s armed forces.
Kyiv has experienced significant battlefield losses during the two-year conflict, while Russia has maintained a notable manpower advantage.
This adjustment aims to enable Ukraine to call up additional individuals to replenish its military reserves, responding to a decline in volunteer numbers.
President Zelensky had previously stated a need for an additional 500,000 soldiers to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Although the bill was passed by MPs in May 2023, it hadn’t been enacted until now, with the president’s recent signing suggesting a heightened awareness of potential Russian offensive plans for the spring or summer.
This move reflects Ukraine’s efforts to fortify its defensive positions in anticipation of possible Russian aggression.
Ukrainian forces had aimed to reclaim territory seized by Russia and disrupt Russian supply routes to Crimea. However, faced with superior Russian defenses and lacking air support, Kyiv’s efforts stalled in winter, raising concerns about Russia’s military advantage.
Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi previously noted the need to scale back some military operations due to reduced foreign aid.
Ukraine heavily relies on Western support, particularly for long-range missiles and air defense systems. However, political tensions have delayed billions in aid from the US and EU.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed over 600,000 of his troops are engaged in Ukraine, although casualty figures remain undisclosed.
A classified US intelligence report in December estimated that 315,000 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded since the conflict began, representing a significant portion of Russia’s initial military personnel.
President Zelensky reported 31,000 Ukrainian military fatalities, while US officials suggested at least 70,000 killed and up to 120,000 injured.