Jan. 25, 2025, 12:29 p.m.
(Photo: Screenshot from the video)
Vitaliy Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, commented on the idea of lowering the mobilization age to 18.
In an interview with the 1+1 TV channel, he noted that young men aged 18-25 have a high potential for service due to their physical endurance and ability to quickly master modern technologies.
Despite supporting the mobilization of young men of this age, the official opposed the recruitment of 18-year-old girls, calling it a decision that has a profound impact on the personal lives of citizens.
"This issue is very personal, especially if you have a son or brother. My younger brother volunteered to serve and is now a company commander, and my sister is also serving. I can express my opinion, but this is a difficult issue for everyone," he said.
At the same time, the head of the OVA confirmed that there is pressure from Ukraine's Western partners to lower the mobilization age. However, according to him, such a decision should be carefully weighed, as it concerns young people who are not yet fully prepared for such challenges.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his position on the US proposal to lower the mobilization age to 18. In this case, the states promised to provide recruits with the necessary equipment.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine should focus on providing existing military brigades with modern equipment and training, rather than compensating for the lack of equipment with young recruits.
On December 9, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that if Ukraine lowered the mobilization age to 18, all recruits would be provided with full equipment.
In November, advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine Serhiy Leshchenko said that representatives of both major US parties were putting pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asking why citizens aged 18 to 25 were not being mobilized in Ukraine.
Андрій Колісніченко