Ukraine's General Staff discussing lowering mobilization age to 50-55 - Kostenko

Ukraine's General Staff is discussing a possible change to its mobilization approach based on age, according to Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Verkhovna Rada's National Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee, in comments to Ukrainska Pravda.

According to Kostenko, officials are considering limiting conscription of citizens older than 50 or 55, with an exception for military-liable men who hold specialties that are scarce or critically needed by the armed forces.

Kostenko stressed that no final decision has been made and that discussion of possible options is still ongoing. He also clarified that lowering the mobilization age would not require legislative changes — an appropriate administrative decision would suffice. The defense committee secretary said he considers this approach correct.

As for lowering the mobilization age below 25, Kostenko said that option is not currently being considered, noting that such a change could not be implemented without amending the law.

Background

On August 22, Kostenko had already stated that Ukrainian authorities are preparing "radical" changes to the mobilization process concerning conscription age. Ukraine's current mobilization age range is 25 to 60.