Zelenskyy is against lowering the mobilization age — why

Reducing the mobilization age in Ukraine is impractical. Modern warfare requires technological sophistication, not just physical strength or age-related changes in military service.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during an interview with the French publication Le Parisien on Wednesday, December 18.

Why Zelenskyy is against lowering the mobilization age to 18

Zelenskyy noted that calls to lower the mobilization age, which are being heard from some international leaders, are "political game-playing". He emphasized the importance of preserving the lives of young people and prioritizing the development of modern technologies in military affairs.

"Modern warfare is not just trenches and ditches. It involves drones, artillery, long-range weapons, and aviation. It is impossible to storm or move forward without air cover. We must focus on the technological capabilities of our army, not on lowering the mobilization age," the President said.

The Head of State emphasized that partners should give permits, give money, and licence for technologies.

"It is very important to pay attention, firstly, to the technological capabilities of the army, not to the age of the military. After all, technological capabilities are number one today. War is a different story. This is not World War I, this is not hand-to-hand combat. This war is a battle of intellect and technology. Our partners should facilitate the transfer of licences and financing of innovative weapons, which will be the key to victory," Zelenskyy summed up.

As a reminder, Novyny.LIVE asked people on the streets of Lviv how they feel about a possible lowering of the mobilization age in Ukraine.

And the MP Iryna Friz commented on the issue of lowering the mobilization age in Ukraine. According to her, the General Staff stated that there is no such need.