Ukraine has resources to avoid lowering mobilization age – MP Ostapenko

Anatoliy Ostapenko, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Protection of Veterans (Servant of the People faction), states that Ukraine possesses sufficient mobilization resources among military retirees and law enforcement structures to avoid lowering the mobilization age.

Commenting on mobilization reforms during the "Mobilization and Trust" public discussion at Interfax-Ukraine on Friday, Ostapenko noted that the Ministry of Defense is currently developing relevant documents for parliamentary review.

"Regarding the points already considered in the Verkhovna Rada, we must understand that the mobilization period will continue as long as this war lasts. While we recognize that Russia may increase its own mobilization resources, necessitating future legislative consideration for lowering the age of citizens called to defend the motherland, I believe we still have resources to avoid doing so now," Ostapenko said.

The lawmaker pointed to a significant number of military personnel currently in the reserve who retired after serving specific terms but remain unassigned to active defense. He emphasized that, according to the Constitution, various law enforcement structures should be involved in repelling Russian aggression.

"We should develop multi-level involvement for those who are retired but are still within the age limit to protect the state. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have registries of individuals who have served but are not currently engaged in defense," the MP added.

Ostapenko also stressed the necessity of recruiting volunteers and foreigners to protect Ukraine's workforce. "We are draining valuable personnel from agriculture and industry—people who should be supporting the military by producing goods and creating the added value used to finance our Armed Forces. It is no secret that the state finances the military, while our partners provide funds for everything else," he emphasized.