Despite the recent decision by the Verkhovna Rada to limit conscription for partially fit individuals under 25 years old, combat commanders emphasize the need for more young people in the armed forces.
Commander of the 92nd Assault Brigade, Yuriy Fedorenko, asserts that all Ukrainians, both men and women, should undergo military training starting at 18, although he believes active combat operations should commence at 23.
Fedorenko claims that had Ukraine mandated widespread military training since 2014, it could have reduced the losses suffered in the early stages of the full-scale war, providing Ukraine with a more robust territorial defense and potentially deterring large-scale aggression.
Colonel Roman Kostenko, a parliament member and secretary of the National Security Committee, supports lowering the conscription age to 20, noting that conscription at 18 or 20 is a global standard.
Kostenko dismisses concerns about creating a "lost generation," arguing that readiness to serve is vital for national defense, especially as Ukraine faces a labor shortage in younger age groups.
However, not all commanders agree with conscripting individuals at 18. Kyrylo Veres, commander of the K-2 battalion of the 54th Mechanized Brigade, believes 18 is too young for soldiers engaged in active combat. He also thinks that many older individuals, especially those close to the upper age limit, may not be suitable for the responsible roles required in high-intensity defensive or offensive operations.
The divide between lawmakers, military leaders, and public opinion reflects the complex balance Ukraine must strike between meeting its military needs and ensuring young recruits are prepared for combat.