MPs propose to lower the mobilization age in Ukraine

Roman Lozynskyi, an MP from the “Holos” faction, has proposed lowering the minimum mobilization age for men. Currently, the lower limit is 25 years old.

He made this statement in an interview with LIGAnet.

“Lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25 is likely not the last change regarding the age of conscripts,” the MP predicted.

Lozynskyi acknowledged that such a step would not be supported by the public but believes it is necessary.

“If we are still fighting for our existence, then yes, we need to lower the age for participation in combat,” he stated.

Such proposals are regularly voiced by various Ukrainian speakers, and just as regularly, such plans are officially denied by the authorities. However, given a scenario where the Ukrainian army continues to face a severe shortage of personnel, it is possible that the issue of lowering the age limit could be raised—potentially to 18 years, with the cancellation of student deferments. Ordinary soldiers have long argued that young people need to be conscripted.

Currently, students and individuals under 25 are actively updating their data at territorial recruitment centers, believing they are safe from mobilization. By July 18, military commissars will have nearly complete data on them, and summonses could be sent to tens and hundreds of thousands of people aged 18-25 once the age limit is lowered.

Such a move would provoke public outrage and significantly increase the exodus of young men under 18 from Ukraine (which is already occurring). However, the authorities have repeatedly shown that they are guided by the logic of “the main thing now is the war, and we’ll deal with other problems later.”

There are no official confirmations of plans to lower the age limit yet. The decision to lower the age limit will likely be made based on the results of the first months of the new mobilization law, depending on whether it achieves the expected effect of replenishing the army.

Previously, volunteer Taras Chmut also spoke about the need to lower the mobilization age, suggesting it be reduced to 20 years.

“In my opinion, mobilization should occur from the age of 20. We have lost too much time. If we want to survive as a country, we need to face the war, accept it as a reality, and start doing something about it,” the volunteer said.

According to scientists, lowering the mobilization age to 20 could negatively affect Ukraine’s demographic situation.