Ukrainian Ombudsman for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets expressed disagreement with the proposal to lower the minimum age for mobilization to 18, BTA reports.
In an interview with the publication “Ukrainska Pravda“ Lubinets emphasized that instead of resorting to such measures, it is necessary to improve the organization and efficiency of the mobilization process.
Need for Mobilization Reforms
Lubinets expressed his opinion:
"I am against this. I understand that there may be a shortage of resources for mobilization in Ukraine. However, I see positive examples where, with the right government decisions, thousands of servicemen return to the ranks in just a few days. Instead of lowering the age, we need to organize a much more effective internal process."
He also stressed that the mobilization process is complex and must be carried out strictly within the framework of the law.
Arguments against lowering the mobilization age
According to the ombudsman, the involvement of men under the age of 25 could have serious social consequences for the future of Ukraine:
"If we leave these young people without families or children, we risk depriving the country of a future. The group of men between the ages of 30 and 45 is the most suitable for mobilization because they are the most effective."
Problems with the transparency of the process
Lubinets expressed concerns about the lack of balance in mobilization efforts, noting that people from rural areas are often affected disproportionately compared to those in cities.
He indicated that in 2024 he had received nearly 4,000 complaints from citizens about the actions of officials responsible for mobilization. The majority of these complaints came from the Zakarpattia region in western Ukraine.
Military training for young people
The ombudsman recalled that from the beginning of 2025, all Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 25 will be required to undergo military training. In this context, Lubinets emphasized the need for clarity and fairness in the implementation of this initiative.