Currently, there are no registered bills in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that propose lowering the conscription age. Member of Parliament and member of the Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, Fedir Venislavskyi, noted that the parliament is focused on other priorities, particularly the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in combat operations.
This is reported by Finway
Discussion on the conscription age and expert proposals
The issue of changing the conscription age has gained relevance following comments from a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian War, former commander of the Aidar Battalion’s company, Yevhen Dykyi. In a television broadcast on April 18, Dykyi expressed surprise at why the conscription age in Ukraine is not being lowered from 25 to 21 years. He suggested involving young people in tasks in the rear, such as logistics or air defense, while leaving participation in combat operations for older servicemen.
“At least initially from 25 to 21 years. With the guarantee that these young people cannot be sent to the front line except voluntarily. But they can be involved in army logistics and can replace older men in air defense. They can effectively shoot down ‘Shahed’ drones in the rear without real risk to their lives, while the older men who are currently doing this go to the front,” Dykyi proposed.
Clear position of the authorities on the conscription age
According to Fedir Venislavskyi, lowering the conscription age in Ukraine is not on the parliament’s agenda. This issue is not even being considered at the level of the relevant committee. The deputy emphasized that there is a “clear position of the president and parliament” on this matter. The government’s current focus is on implementing innovative solutions and technological approaches to reduce risks for servicemen.
Venislavskyi stressed the importance of using remote-controlled robotic systems to replace people in dangerous areas, which will help save the lives of soldiers. The issue of large-scale demobilization due to the current situation at the front and the enemy’s advantage in personnel is also not being considered. At the same time, the authorities are working on improving the rules for military service, adapting them to new realities.