General Ben Hodges: The U.S. is using the issue of lowering the draft age in Ukraine to mask its own failures.

The White House is using the issue of conscription age in Ukraine to divert attention from its own failures. This was stated by former commander of U.S. ground forces in Europe and NATO logistics mentor, General Ben Hodges.

He criticized recent remarks by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan suggesting that Ukraine should lower its conscription age. Hodges described these comments as an attempt to distract from the Biden administration's inability to provide adequate support to Ukraine.

Hodges expressed his views during the conference "2025: A Pivotal Year for Ukraine," organized by the Center for European Policy on January 13.

"Jake Sullivan is doing this as part of the White House's efforts over the past few months to try to whitewash their failure," Hodges stated. "I have strongly supported the Biden administration, but they have not managed the critical task of making aid to Ukraine a priority."

"The decision to lower the conscription age is solely Ukraine's decision. And I find it horrendous and disgusting that someone would say, 'You are asking us for help, but you are not willing to risk your youth,'" he added.

Hodges argued that families need assurance that their sons and daughters will not be put in danger if they are not properly trained, equipped, and placed in a well-prepared unit.

"The government must restore trust. Lowering the age is not the solution," he emphasized.

Hodges also criticized the Biden administration for its failure to articulate a clear strategy regarding Ukraine.

"They have never said, 'We want Ukraine to win, and we will do everything possible to help them succeed because it is in our national interest.' Instead, we see pathetic results in the supply of ammunition and equipment, while many allies are hiding behind us. This indicates an inability to clearly define a strategic goal, and I worry that the next administration will repeat the same mistake," he concluded.

Currently, in Ukraine under martial law, men aged 25 to 60 are subject to conscription.

Background. It was previously reported that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden urged Ukraine to lower the conscription age from 25 to 18 years to rapidly increase the size of the army.

Meanwhile, Zelensky responded to partners' calls to lower the mobilization age. According to him, it is first necessary to equip their brigades with the appropriate equipment.