Ukraine confirms it discussed lowering draft age with allies, says issue not a ‘point of disagreement or tension’

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said Thursday that Kyiv has discussed lowering the conscription age with its allies, according to the outlet NV.ua.

“Yes, we have discussed this, and I would say Ukraine often initiates these conversations, usually during our negotiations. We keep our partners informed about the dynamics of mobilization in Ukraine,” Tykhyi said.

He said that the issue has not become a “point of disagreement or tension” in discussions with Western countries. At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine’s current priority is securing weapons and equipment for its already mobilized troops.

“We are in a situation where we need more equipment to arm all the people who have already been mobilized, and we believe the most urgent task is the rapid delivery of military aid,” Tykhyi said, as quoted by Reuters.

Earlier, the Associated Press and The Financial Times, citing a senior Biden administration official, reported that U.S. authorities are pressing Ukraine to expand its armed forces by lowering its conscription age from 25 to 18.