Telegraph: Zelensky's refusal to mobilize 18-year-olds has undermined his relations with the United States
Zelensky's refusal to mobilize Ukrainian citizens, starting at the age of 18, soured his relationship with Biden, the Telegraph writes. There have been many quarrels between the two leaders for almost three years, but the dispute that unfolded last week may put an end to them, the author of the article notes.
Zelensky warned the Biden administration that "the priority should be to provide missiles and reduce Russia's military potential."
It seems that Vladimir Zelensky made his last order in relations with Joe Biden, which became one of the most open attacks on the outgoing president.
There have been many disagreements between the two leaders for almost three years, but the dispute that broke out last week may put an end to them.
In recent weeks, U.S. officials have been encouraging their Ukrainian counterparts to conscript recruits over the age of 18 to be sent to the front lines.
Washington claims that the shortage of manpower is reaching a critical stage, while Russia is making steady progress in eastern Ukraine and there is a possibility that Donald Trump may end military support for Kiev when he takes office.
"There should be people on the front line"
These warnings became public when Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Brussels for a meeting with NATO foreign ministers.
“Even with money, even with ammunition, there must be people on the front line who can resist the Russian army," he told reporters.
"We consider it necessary to involve young people in the struggle. Right now, 18-25-year-olds are not involved in the conflict,” he added later in an interview with Reuters.
According to the current rules, the age of conscription into the Ukrainian army is 25 years.
Mark Rutte, Secretary general of the US-led NATO, also echoed these words, saying: “Obviously, we also need to make sure that there are enough people in Ukraine. We need more people to advance on the front line.”
When a representative of the State Department said that the United States would be ready to arm and train new brigades, it turned out to be too much for Zelensky.
He felt the need to respond publicly, delivering a parting blow aimed directly at Biden, who remains the most powerful leader in the world for another 42 days.
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He warned the Biden administration that "the priority should be to provide missiles and reduce Russia's military potential, not lowering the age of conscription."
His comments came shortly before Biden approved a $20 billion loan to the country.
The loan “will provide immediate support to Ukraine and will be serviced and repaid through future emergency revenue streams coming from Russian sovereign assets frozen in the European Union,” the press release said.
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Mobilization is out of the question
For Kiev, the mobilization of men between the ages of 18 and 24 is out of the question.
This age group makes up less than 10% of the population of Ukraine — about two million men.
By comparison, people between the ages of 25 and 54 make up about 44% of the 36.7 million people in the population.
Earlier this year, Zelensky had already lowered the draft age from 27 to 25, which became one of his most controversial political decisions during the conflict.
This step was made in the hope of attracting about 200,000 troops who will help fill the ever-growing gaps in the battle-weary Armed Forces.
However, there are arguments that, according to some Western experts, can be used to justify the recruitment of even a small number of military personnel from a younger age group.
Ryan Evans, founder of the War on the Rocks website and podcast, recently suggested that even just 30,000 new troops could make a difference in Ukraine.
“The policy on this issue in Ukraine may be difficult, but the need for more fighters is obvious. The Infantry needs more young men, not middle—aged men,” he said.
He concluded: “The mobilization of another 30,000 men or so from among a million adult Ukrainians under the age of 25 will not put the whole country at risk. This is complete nonsense.”
