Overview

• The Biden administration has urged Ukraine to lower its military draft age from 25 to 18 to address critical troop shortages in its fight against Russia.
• US officials argue that Ukraine is not mobilizing or training enough soldiers to replace battlefield losses, as Russian forces make steady advances in the east.
• President Zelenskyy and his advisors have rejected the proposal, citing delays in receiving promised Western weapons and a lack of resources to equip current troops.
• The White House has reiterated its commitment to providing weapons and training but views manpower as Ukraine's most pressing need for sustaining the war effort.
• The push comes as the Biden administration races to bolster Ukraine's position before President-elect Donald Trump, who has signaled a different approach to the conflict, takes office in January.