Ukraine, which has been running a war for its existence for more than two years, is beyond the increasing need to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces. Although mobilization has not yet been approved at the legislative level, it is already recognized in military circles that this decision may become inevitable.
This was stated in an interview with "Investigation.Info" by Lieutenant Colonel Shamil Krutkov, commander of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Cold Yar"-the youngest combouris in the history of the Armed Forces. According to him, the question of the conscription of 18-year-old is just a matter of time.
“Unfortunately, I am firmly convinced that we will mobilize from the age of 18. These are the realities we may have to face. But most likely, we will start mobilizing them when we had to do it yesterday, ”Krutkov said.
The 27-year-old Kombrig acknowledged that in his brigade, as in most parts of the Armed Forces, there is not enough personnel. Commanders try to keep their fighters as much as possible, using technical means and tactical techniques, but the real shortage of people is forcing new ways to replenish.
The Kombrig stressed that the recruits are often sent to the forefront when the situation is already critical. This is a big problem, because young fighters need not just to recruit, but to prepare qualitatively for the modern war.
“Preparation should be timely. You can not give a person only when there are no other options. It is a loss, above all, human and then combat, ”Krutkov says.
The topic of mobilization of 18-year-old was also disturbed internationally. The US Presidential Advisor Mike Voltz has publicly expressed the opinion that Ukraine should reduce the mobilization age. This has caused discussions, but there are currently no specific initiatives in the Ukrainian Parliament.
The People's Deputy and Member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security Alexander Fedienko notes that mobilization from 18 years is not a panacea:
"The mass call of 18 years without quality training will not solve the problem on the front,"-said the MP.
Despite the lack of legislative changes, one thing is obvious: Ukraine will have to adapt its mobilization policy to the realities of war. This means that the issue of attracting younger age categories will be discussed more and more.
Will the year 2025 start a new wave of mobilization will depend on the situation at the front, state resources and political decisions. But as the military itself emphasizes: to wait "to the last" is dangerous.
