The White House stated that Ukraine must recruit more soldiers to combat Russia, including by lowering the conscription age, as the country's most pressing need is manpower, not weapons.
A senior government official from the White House stated on Wednesday that the Zelensky government should consider lowering the conscription age from 25 to 18 to expand the reserve of eligible male personnel available for rotation to the front lines.
The official stated that Ukraine has not mobilized or trained enough new recruits to replace the soldiers lost on the battlefield. He said, 'What is needed now is manpower; in fact, Russia is making steady progress in the east and is beginning to advance the Ukrainian lines in the Kursk region. At this moment, considering the current battlefield situation, mobilization and increasing manpower can make a significant impact.'
This information is the clearest signal of impatience expressed by the U.S. and its allies regarding Zelensky's reluctance to recruit young soldiers. The Ukrainian leader has stated that there is no need to lower the conscription age.
With less than two months remaining, the Biden administration is trying to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities before Trump takes office.
Trump has promised to quickly end the war, and even Zelensky has stated that the conflict needs to end next year. However, with Russian troops steadily advancing into Ukraine, how things will develop remains unclear.
This official said that the Biden administration has begun discussions with the incoming Trump team but cannot comment on the new government's plans.
White House spokesman John Kirby reiterated on Wednesday that the Biden administration's commitment remains valid. He said, 'We will absolutely continue to provide weapons and equipment to Ukraine. We know this is crucial, but manpower is equally important at this point. In fact, we believe manpower is their most critical need right now. Therefore, if they take the appropriate steps, we are also prepared to increase our training capabilities.'
According to sources from the German Ministry of Defense, Germany has also been calling for Ukraine to lower its conscription age.
Biden administration officials stated that Biden intends to use the funds already allocated by Congress during the final moments of his term to provide thousands of shells and rockets, as well as hundreds of missile interceptors, vehicles, and other weapon systems.
Ukraine has consistently insisted that it still needs to provide weapons and equipment for existing soldiers. Zelensky stated in a speech on November 19 that the Defense Ministry must create incentives for citizens under 25 to join the war effort, but he reiterated that there are no plans to change the conscription age.
A source from Zelensky's office stated that Ukraine currently does not have enough equipment to arm the mobilized troops. He said, 'Regarding our current mobilization efforts, we do not have enough equipment, such as armored vehicles, to support all the drafted troops. We cannot compensate for our soldiers' lives, especially the lives of the youngest soldiers, due to partners' delays in decision-making and supply chains.'
Zelensky has made it clear: 'Do not speculate, our country is not prepared to lower the conscription age.'
Article forwarded from: Jinshi Data