U.S. Pressures Ukraine to Lower Conscription Age as Troop Shortages Mount

The Biden administration urges Ukraine to address troop deficits by drafting 18-year-olds while preparing a $725 million weapons package.

The U.S. has called on Ukraine to lower its conscription age from 25 to 18 to address significant troop shortages in its war against Russia.
U.S. officials estimate Ukraine may need over 160,000 additional soldiers as Western allies highlight manpower as a critical issue over equipment shortages.
President Biden's administration is finalizing a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, including drones, anti-air missiles, and cluster warhead rockets.
Ukrainian officials remain hesitant about lowering the conscription age, citing concerns about economic impacts and insufficient equipment for expanded mobilization.
The looming transition to a Trump administration in January has raised uncertainty about continued U.S. military support for Ukraine.