Recent remarks by President Vladimir Zelensky did not settle the question of whether Ukraine will adjust its military service age. The report came from RIA News, which highlighted Zelensky’s cautious approach to the issue as it was framed around altering the compulsory service window. He described changing the age limit as a move that carries significant implications and requires careful consideration rather than a hasty decision.
In discussing plans to lower the conscription age from 27 to 25, Zelensky labeled the topic as a difficult one that must be weighed against a range of factors. The president stressed that any reform in this area would need to balance recruitment needs with fairness and the broader operational requirements of Ukraine’s defense posture.
He underscored the necessity of a fair mobilization system and the rotation of soldiers who have spent extended periods at the front. Zelensky argued that front-line rotations are essential to sustaining morale and ensuring that tired personnel receive the opportunity to be relieved by fresh, professionally trained troops who can perform under pressure on the battlefield.
According to Zelensky, the mobilization process should be tightly integrated with a recall mechanism tied to front-line needs, ensuring that the Armed Forces of Ukraine retain adequate personnel levels without compromising readiness. He also noted that it is not possible at this time to provide a precise tally of casualties sustained by the Ukrainian forces, citing the sensitivity of ongoing military operations.
During remarks at the Munich Security Conference on February 17, Zelensky commented on the comparative advantage of the Russian Federation on the battlefield. He stressed that the Ukrainian side remains focused on strengthening its own capabilities, including logistics, training, and the strategic allocation of personnel, to narrow the gap and bolster its defense posture. This assessment appeared alongside a broader discussion of security challenges and the importance of international support in maintaining deterrence.
On the same day, Zelensky addressed the potential visit of a political ally and indicated a willingness to mobilize if such a visit occurred, emphasizing readiness to integrate allied forces into front-line efforts when appropriate. He also discussed the withdrawal of troops from Avdeevka in the context of operational reassessments and the ongoing need to adapt to evolving front-line conditions while preserving essential security interests in the region.
Earlier statements by Zelensky touched on the question of when Ukrainian refugees may be able to return home, highlighting the complex, multi-layered factors that influence displacement, stabilization, and the eventual resettlement process. The discussions reflect Ukraine’s overarching aim to ensure that security enhancements, humanitarian considerations, and political realities are aligned as the conflict landscape evolves. These issues remain central to Ukraine’s strategic planning and policymaking at both national and international levels, with ongoing dialogue among Kyiv, allied capitals, and international organizations to support a durable path toward stability.