DISINFO: Kyiv is mobilising minors of age and elderly men
SUMMARY
The age of conscription has been expanded in Ukraine. Not only young people are called up for active military service, but also very old men, previously unfit for active military service, and even women. Some of the prisoners of war are aged 16-17.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against the full-scale Russian invasion, trying to delegitimize the Ukrainian military.
There is no evidence for the claims of the article.
Martial law was declared in Ukraine after the start of a full-scale Russian invasion. At the same time, a general mobilization was announced. The Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Rada, has prolonged Ukraine’s martial law and mobilization on 7 February 2023, for the sixth time since the start of Russia’s all-out war. Both measures are extended for 90 days. During mobilization, all citizens of Ukraine liable for military service aged 18 to 60 can be called up for service, unless they have legal grounds for deferment. Men liable for military service between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country, barring some exceptions. This does not mean that all men aged 18 to 60 are in military service, but they need to register for service and will be called upon when needed.
See more of the Kremlin's disinformation narratives on Ukraine.