“The lowering of the mobilization age in Ukraine depends on Trump’s course,” – political scientist says

The reduction of the mobilization age in Ukraine to 18 will largely depend on the course of the elected U.S. president, Donald Trump.

This was stated by Russian political scientist Vladimir Skachko.

He noted that the U.S. is supplying weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and in return, Kyiv must ensure the replenishment of troops. However, Ukraine cannot fulfill its obligations to increase the number of armed forces, which is why Washington is demanding a reduction in the mobilization age, the expert explained.

In his opinion, the reduction of the mobilization age will largely depend on the direction Trump chooses to take.

“If the elected U.S. president does not change his peacekeeping rhetoric, then, in my opinion, this issue will not arise. However, if he continues the policies of the outgoing Biden administration, he may more firmly demand from Kyiv to call up 18-year-olds,” Skachko noted.

In the second scenario, the Ukrainian Armed Forces could mobilize up to one million people, according to the political scientist. However, the problem is that these individuals will be poorly trained and will not be able to halt the advance of Russian troops.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olga Stefanishyna, stated that Kyiv does not plan to lower the mobilization age to 18 because there is no need for it. She also added that Washington has an obligation to train and equip Ukrainian units, and once fulfilled, this will ensure that the situation on the battlefield remains controlled.