Over 6 Million Ukrainian Men Avoid Military Registration Amid Draft Challenges
Over six million Ukrainian men of conscription age have reportedly failed to comply with military registration laws introduced in 2024 to address dwindling troop numbers in Ukraine's war against Russia.
This statistic, released by the Ukrainian government, underscores Kyiv’s struggle to replenish its forces. Meanwhile, Mike Waltz, Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, has urged Ukraine to lower its draft age from 25 to 18 to bolster its military ranks.
Challenges in Mobilization
Ukrainian military veteran and political analyst Viktor Kovalenko told Newsweek that Kyiv might struggle to fully mobilize its potential. He noted that this challenge signals broader concerns for Ukraine's Western allies, who depend on transparency from President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration to make informed decisions on military aid.
Kovalenko stressed the necessity of deploying ground soldiers, as drones, missiles, and aircraft alone cannot secure a victory. He highlighted that mobilizing the younger generation could be one of the few viable solutions to address troop shortages.
Legislative Roadblocks
In May 2024, Ukraine enacted legislation requiring all men aged 18 to 60 to register for military service and carry proof of registration. However, an explanatory note to a draft law revealed that six million eligible men had not updated their registration data within the mandated 60-day period. This figure is striking, given Ukraine’s estimated population of 38 million.
Zelensky’s government reported 43,000 troops killed in action and 370,000 injuries (including repeated injuries) since the war began. Ukrainian commanders have warned of growing troop fatigue and an urgent need to stabilize frontlines.
U.S. Calls for Lower Draft Age
Waltz's call to lower the draft age reflects the incoming Trump administration’s belief that increasing Ukraine’s troop numbers is critical to achieving any peace deal. Speaking to ABC News, Waltz remarked, "If the Ukrainians have asked the entire world to be all in for democracy, we need them to be all in for democracy."
The Biden administration also encouraged Ukraine to reduce the draft age to 18, aligning with Waltz’s position. Such a move could attract hundreds of thousands of new recruits, addressing what Waltz described as "real manpower issues."
Tensions on the Horizon
Zelensky, however, has emphasized the importance of Western weapons and training over changing conscription laws. This divergence in priorities may lead to tensions between Kyiv and the incoming U.S. administration as both parties navigate solutions to a protracted and costly conflict.
The ongoing debate highlights the challenges Ukraine faces in balancing domestic mobilization with international support, as it seeks to sustain its defense against Russian aggression.
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