**Ukraine‘s Military Equipment Shortages Take Priority Over Lowering Draft Age**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the country needs to focus on equipping its military brigades before lowering the draft age. He made these comments in response to reports that Western leaders are urging Ukraine to lower the draft age from 25 to 18.
**Equipment Needs First**
Zelensky noted that Ukraine has over 100 military brigades, each requiring regular staffing and equipment resupply to stay effective. This means that before considering lowering the draft age, Ukraine needs to address its equipment shortages first.
**Resistance to Lowering Draft Age**
The Ukrainian government has resisted pressure from Western leaders to lower the draft age to 18. The main concerns are equipment shortages and the economic impact of drafting younger workers. Under current martial law rules, men aged 18-60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine, but only those 25 or older are eligible for the draft.
**Draft Age Lowered in April**
The Ukrainian government did lower the draft age from 27 to 25 in April, adding 50,000 troops to its forces. However, this move fell short of meeting the military’s full requirements, highlighting the need to address equipment shortages first.