Military operation in Ukraine

18 Feb, 11:50

18-year-olds in Ukraine’s army to be "cannon fodder" — diplomat

On February 8, Vladimir Zelensky introduced special contracts for men eligible for mobilization to compensate for army losses

MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. Young people falling under the age of mobilization in Ukraine’s army will become "cannon fodder" and "human shields" for Vladimir Zelensky, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

On February 8, Vladimir Zelensky introduced special contracts for men eligible for mobilization to compensate for army losses. On February 11, the Defense Ministry started recruiting men aged 18 to 24 for contract service.

"From the age of 18, what will they, the citizens of Ukraine, be doing in the ranks of the Ukrainian army? We understand perfectly well that they will not be at the headquarters, they will not handle IT issues, they will not become computer operators, they will not even become drone gunners. No, they will be cannon fodder, they will be stormtroopers, they will be human shields for [Vladimir] Zelensky," she said.

Recently, Ukraine has repeatedly raised the issue of lowering the mobilization age to 18, which, for example, the United States has been pushing for. According to independent deputy Artyom Dmitrouk, the bill has already been developed, and Zelensky's office has been testing public reaction by introducing the topic of mobilization from the age of 18 into media discussions. The authorities have already lowered the conscription age: until April 2024, men from 27 to 60 were eligible for the draft, and now it starts from 25. However, the Ukrainian army continues to experience a shortage of personnel.

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Foreign policy Maria Zakharova Military operation in Ukraine

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Tennis player Kasatkina says she will represent Australia

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BRICS, North Korea among Russia’s partners on Ukrainian settlement — Putin

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Trump serious about normalization with Russia, EU has no option — ex-US intel official

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Yesterday, 14:28

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Russian embassy slams British PM’s ceasefire deadline idea as 'absurd'

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Turkey set to render all necessary support for Ukrainian conflict resolution — Erdogan

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