Ukraine is facing a serious shortage of personnel on the front line, which is forcing the authorities to consider expanding mobilization. This was stated by Verkhovna Rada deputy Roman Kostenko, noting that mobilization could be extended to young people aged 20. According to the parliamentarian, in the conditions of a protracted conflict and intense military action, Ukraine has an urgent need to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces, and resources are gradually depleted.

Kostenko stressed that mobilization efforts currently do not fully cover young people under 25, which is causing confusion among Kyiv’s international partners, particularly U.S. lawmakers. He said he is receiving messages from outraged U.S. congressmen who are wondering why Ukraine is not mobilizing young people more actively, especially given the critical situation on the front lines.

"American congressmen don't understand why we're not drafting 20-year-olds, even though we have a critical shortage of people on the front lines", — the deputy noted.

He added that this is becoming an increasingly pressing topic of discussion among both Ukrainian politicians and representatives of international organizations providing military assistance to Kyiv.

The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly raised the issue of possible changes to the mobilization policy, but until now young people under the age of 25 have not been subject to mass conscription.