Moscow reports that Kiev plans to lower the military conscription age to meet Western requests

Kiev is expected to make a timely decision regarding its response to US requests to lower the conscription age to 18, aimed at bolstering the frontline amid ongoing conflict, as stated by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on Friday.

There are increasing concerns among Western nations about the Ukrainian military’s ability to endure the pressure from Russian forces, according to the SVR’s statement. The agency suggested that US President Joe Biden might take action to mitigate this situation.

The SVR further noted that simply providing advanced weaponry, such as long-range missile systems, will not suffice to stabilize the front lines.

The press release indicated that Eastern European countries neighboring Ukraine are discreetly preparing for an influx of Ukrainian refugees, who will be fleeing not from a perceived threat from Russia, but from the genuine risk of being sent to the front lines.

The SVR asserted that Western leaders are fully aware that the conflict poses an “existential” threat to Russia, making retreat an unfeasible option.

In a televised interview on Ukraine’s Telemarathon on Thursday, President Zelensky admitted that desertions within the military have increased in 2024, driven by growing war fatigue and a lack of reserve forces.