Facing a significant manpower shortage in its ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine is under pressure from the Biden administration to lower its conscription age to 18. A senior Biden official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, emphasized the "pure math" of the situation, stating that Ukraine is struggling to replace battlefield losses and keep pace with Russia's growing military strength, despite already having over a million personnel in uniform, including National Guard and other units. This push comes just months after Ukraine lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 in April.
While the White House, through National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, reaffirmed its commitment to supplying weaponry, it stressed that manpower is Ukraine's most critical need. Savett indicated a willingness to increase training capacity if Ukraine takes steps to bolster its ranks. This emphasis on personnel comes as the US has already provided over $56 billion in security assistance since the war began in February 2022, with plans to send billions more before Biden leaves office.
Lowering the draft age, however, has sparked concerns within Ukraine about the potential economic impact of removing more young people from the workforce, further straining the war-torn economy. Some Ukrainian officials also view the US pressure as a deflection from delays in Western provision of military equipment. The need for additional troops is substantial, with Ukrainian officials estimating a requirement of around 160,000 more soldiers, though the Biden administration believes the actual number needed may be even higher.
Fellow soldiers carry the coffin of actor Petro Velykiy, who died fighting in Russia's Kursk region.
Ukraine's manpower shortage is a key concern for the Biden administration.
Over a million Ukrainians are currently serving in various military units.
