**Ukraine’s President Defends Mobilization Efforts**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended his country‘s mobilization efforts in an interview with the Italian news outlet Il Foglio. He stated that the quickest way to bring soldiers home is to mobilize enough servicemembers to force Russia to end the war.
**Manpower Issues**
Ukraine has struggled with manpower issues throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion. A updated mobilization law was passed in April 2024, simplifying the process for identifying eligible conscripts and introducing penalties for draft dodgers. However, mobilization slowed down last autumn, leaving depleted front-line units to face Russia’s eastern advance.
**Martial Law**
Zelensky said that martial law provides for the mobilization of people and all resources in the country. He stated that everyone must contribute to ending the war. Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are barred from leaving the country under martial law, but only those over 25 are eligible for the draft.
**Recruiting Younger Citizens**
The government is finalizing reforms to recruit 18- to 25-year-olds into the army. The aim is to make voluntary enlistment more appealing to younger citizens. Zelensky acknowledged that the Armed Forces require better policies on rotating and relieving personnel.
**Forced Mobilization**
Ukrainian authorities have faced criticism for aggressive forced mobilization tactics and transferring skilled Air Force personnel into infantry units. Despite increasing pressure, Zelensky has refused to lower the draft age to 18.
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