Ex-NATO ambassador urges Ukraine to enroll 18-year-olds

2024-07-15 07:54:08

(MENAFN) Former United States Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder has called on Ukraine to conscript 18-year-olds to bolster its military efforts against Russia, emphasizing that doing so could significantly enhance the country's chances of victory. This appeal comes as Ukraine has recently adjusted its military draft policies, lowering the age threshold from 27 to 25 in a bid to improve mobilization rates.

Speaking to Euronews during last week’s NATO summit in the United States, Daalder remarked on the unusual demographic of soldiers currently engaged in the conflict. “This is a war being fought by 40-year-olds,” he stated, noting that historical precedents rarely see conflicts fought predominantly by older individuals. He insisted that the Ukrainian military should focus on recruiting younger individuals, specifically those aged 18 to 21, as is common practice in armies around the world.

Both Russia and Ukraine employ mandatory conscription for young men; however, 18-year-olds are not typically sent to the frontlines in either nation. Russia has stated that it relies primarily on contracted volunteers rather than mobilized reservists, reportedly recruiting around 1,000 individuals each day to support its military operations against Ukraine.

Daalder, who served as ambassador during President Barack Obama’s administration, currently leads the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a think tank known for its strong stance on foreign policy. His comments highlight the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in reforming its military strategy, especially following significant casualties during past attempts to counter Russian advances using Western-supplied weaponry.

Draft avoidance has emerged as a critical issue in Ukraine, with many men risking their lives to evade conscription by attempting to cross into western Europe illegally. This complex situation underscores the urgent need for Ukraine to reconsider its military mobilization strategies to effectively confront the ongoing conflict with Russia.

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