Dykyi calls for lowering the draft age to 21 for logistical needs
Yevhen Dykyi, a veteran of the Russia-Ukraine war and director of the National Antarctic Scientific Center, has proposed revising the age limits for military conscription in Ukraine.
He spoke about this on Apostrophe TV.
In his opinion, the current age limit of 25 is “a bit absurd,” since Ukrainians obtain all other civil rights much earlier.
The former company commander of the Aidar battalion emphasized that he understands the state’s desire to preserve the gene pool and the younger generation. However, he noted that the legal gap between reaching the age of majority and the duty to defend the country creates a legal paradox.
“We acquire all rights, with the exception of the right to run for president, at age 18. Yet for some reason, the duty to defend the country comes seven years later. It’s a bit absurd,” Yevhen Dykyi stated on “Apostrophe TV.”
At the same time, the veteran drew attention to the psychological characteristics of today’s youth, noting that the 18–24 age group is often more immature than their predecessors.
Dykyi admitted that as a combat commander, he would not want to “lead a kindergarten into battle.”
That is why he proposes a compromise: lower the draft age to 21, but with clear legal guarantees of safety for young people. According to him, young men of this age could become an effective resource for rear units.
“At least initially, from 25 to 21. With the guarantee that these young people cannot be sent to the front lines unless they do so voluntarily, of their own free will,” the expert suggested.
He is convinced that young people can successfully work in military logistics or replace older servicemen in air defense units.
According to Dykyi, such a move would free up experienced and physically stronger middle-aged men for direct participation in combat operations.
At the same time, young citizens would gain the necessary military experience in the relatively safe conditions of the rear.
The director of the research center added that the relevant law should explicitly prohibit the involvement of individuals aged 21 to 25 in assault operations without their personal consent.
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