One of the questions in the interview referred to Mike Waltz, tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to replace Sullivan later this month, suggesting Kyiv should "go all in" and lower the mobilization age to 18.
In response, Sullivan noted that Ukraine had already lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 and had implemented several other changes to facilitate the enlistment of individuals under 25 into the military.
“But you have to acknowledge that the personnel issue in Ukraine has become more acute over the past year,” he added.
“The need for Ukraine to fill its brigades and battalions has increased even as we provide substantial amounts of military equipment. We have communicated this directly and informed the new [Donald Trump’s] team.”
He added that ultimately the decision is Ukraine's sovereign choice, but the United States has made it clear that manpower is "a matter of serious concern" that requires attention.
As of January, Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 25 can sign a one-year contract for military service. The AP, citing sources, reported that the Biden administration is urging Ukraine to lower the mobilization age from 25 to 18 to rapidly boost troop numbers.
On Nov. 19, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there are no plans to lower the mobilization age in Ukraine.
On Dec. 11, The Telegraph reported, citing its own sources, that Zelenskyy's refusal to heed requests from the White House to lower the mobilization age has strained his relationship with President Biden.