A Ukrainian soldier called for preparing 15-year-old teenagers for war

A soldier from the “Da Vinci Wolves” separate mechanized battalion, Oleksandr Yabchanka, stated that 15-year-olds may have to participate in the war; otherwise, the country will be lost.

He made this statement in an interview with the German publication Deutsche Welle.

Yabchanka urged preparation of teenagers for war.

“18-year-olds and 15-year-olds must understand that there is a high probability they will have to fight. They need to be aware of this. We need to change education; we need to prepare these people for war—harsh and brutal. People say, ‘We don’t want to leave the war for our children.’ Of course, we don’t want to, but unfortunately, no one is asking us. So, either we leave the war for our children, or we don’t leave the country for them. Without a doubt, I don’t want 18-year-olds and 15-year-olds to fight, but I understand there is a high likelihood they will have to. And we must prepare them for this,” the soldier stated.

In October, the leader of the “Brotherhood” party, Dmytro Korchynsky, suggested that the age for mobilization could be lowered to 14 if Ukraine finds itself “on the brink of destruction.” According to him, at that age, a young person is already capable of handling a firearm.

It is worth noting that the United States has been persistently urging Ukraine to lower the mobilization age to 18. However, the Presidential Office has so far rejected these proposals due to negative public reaction.