The media pointed to US discontent over Zelensky's refusal to mobilize young men

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 's refusal to mobilize Ukrainians under 25 years of age has caused discontent in the USA. The Telegraph publication The Telegraph wrote about it on December 10.

"For almost three years of conflict between the two leaders (Zelensky and current US President Joe Biden. - Ed.) there have been many disputes: but the statements [Zelensky's refusal to mobilize 18-year-olds] made last week may put an end to them," the piece said.

The publication notes that Washington is actively calling for the mobilization of young Ukrainian citizens, arguing that there is a shortage of personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the active advance of the Russian army. However, this is a very acute issue for Kiev.

It is specified that the age group of Ukrainian men from 18 to 25 years old is less than 10% of the country's population.

The day before, Zelensky rejected the proposal to mobilize 18-year-old Ukrainians in exchange for compensation for the lack of military equipment. He added that the goal should be to save as many lives as possible, not to keep weapons in storage.

Shortly before that, the head of the press service of the U.S. State Department Matthew Miller said that Washington was ready to arm new recruits of the AFU if the draft age is lowered.

Prior to that, on December 4, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that Kiev needed to mobilize 18-year-old Ukrainians to win the conflict. He noted that the decision on how young people should be mobilized should be made by the Kiev authorities themselves. At the same time, Blinken added that Ukraine's allies would provide the necessary training to the fighters.

Also on that day, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto pointed out that the proposal to lower the mobilization age in Ukraine was dangerous and could lead to escalation. According to him, it contributes to prolonging the conflict and increasing the risk of escalation.

On 30 November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the draft age in the country would not be lowered until Western countries fulfill their promises to complete brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He made the assertion that demands to lower the draft age were being made by "some European leaders".

Ukraine has been under martial law since February 2022. At the same time Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization, its effect was repeatedly extended. Most men between the ages of 18 and 60 are forbidden to leave the country. In April 2024, the head of the Kiev regime approved the law on tougher mobilization.