President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has recently signed a law reducing the draft age to 25 from 27, potentially impacting the destinies of numerous Ukrainian men. This decision comes more than two years after the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion, leaving Ukrainian forces grappling with the urgent need to reinforce their ranks.
In the face of the formidable Russian Army, Ukrainian youths find themselves unsettled by the prospect of military service under the new law. With many already having fled the country illegally, those who remain express apprehension about their future.
Reporters have engaged with Ukrainian men who stand to be affected by this legislative change. Yegor Khomchenko, a resident of Druzhkivka in eastern Ukraine, shares his concerns, expressing both worry and a resigned acceptance of fate. Similarly, Nestor Babskyi, a physical therapist from western Ukraine, reflects on his sense of guilt for not having served yet, alongside a growing acceptance of the possibility of military duty.
Oleksandr Manchenko, a journalist from Kharkiv, acknowledges the strategic necessity behind President Zelensky’s decision, recognizing the vital role of young people in Ukraine’s future. However, he also voices his personal reservations about participating in combat, underscoring the importance of his current work.
Maksym Sukhyi, a dental technician from Kyiv, conveys his commitment to readiness, diligently preparing himself for potential mobilization. Meanwhile, Vasyl Vanzhurak, a sawmill worker from the Carpathian Mountains, navigates familial responsibilities amidst the backdrop of a relentless war.
Denys Yemets, an electrician from southern Ukraine, reflects on the prolonged nature of the conflict and the impact it has had on his family’s concerns for his safety. Despite differing circumstances, these men share a common awareness of the enduring hardships imposed by the ongoing war.
As Ukraine’s youngest generation faces the grim reality of protracted conflict, their lives are increasingly intertwined with the uncertainty and dangers of military engagement. In the words of the English poet Wilfred Owen, their fate on the front lines is subject to the unpredictable arithmetic of chance.
