Zelensky Urged to Draft 18-Year-Olds as Ukraine’s Military Seeks to Boost Numbers
As the ongoing conflict with Russia shows no signs of abating, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing increasing pressure to take drastic measures to bolster the country’s military numbers. In a recent development, Ukrainian parliamentarians have called on Zelensky to consider drafting 18-year-olds into the military, a move that could potentially increase the country’s military strength.
The proposal, which has been put forward by a group of Ukrainian lawmakers, aims to address the severe manpower shortages that have been plaguing the Ukrainian military since the conflict began. According to reports, the country’s military is currently facing a shortage of around 10,000 soldiers, which has left it struggling to maintain its defenses against Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian military has been fighting on multiple fronts, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as along the border with Russia. Despite suffering significant losses, Ukraine has managed to hold its ground, but the continued influx of Russian troops and equipment has put pressure on the country’s defenses.
The proposal to draft 18-year-olds is seen as a potential solution to the military’s manpower shortages. By bringing in younger recruits, the military would be able to increase its numbers and potentially counterbalance the Russian military’s advantage.
However, the proposal is not without its controversy. Many have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Ukraine’s youth, particularly those who may not have the necessary skills or training to serve in the military. Others have raised questions about the constitutionality of drafting 18-year-olds, which could potentially violate international human rights laws.
Despite these concerns, the Ukrainian government is under increasing pressure to take drastic measures to protect the country from Russian aggression. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, it remains to be seen whether Zelensky will consider drafting 18-year-olds as a means of boosting the military’s numbers.