Myth: Ukraine is forcefully mobilizing teenagers and women to fight in the war.
Fact: Ukraine’s military mobilization follows legal procedures, and the recruitment of soldiers is based on the country’s defense needs. While men aged 18-60 are primarily subject to conscription, there is no mass recruitment of teenagers or women for frontline combat. In fact, women in Ukraine can volunteer but are not drafted for combat roles, and those who do serve are typically in medical, logistical, or other support positions. Russian propaganda has falsely exaggerated this claim to discredit Ukraine’s defense efforts. The Ukrainian government has consistently maintained that conscription is done in accordance with the law, and recruitment is focused on able-bodied adults, not minors or women against their will.
Like in any country, Ukrainian police have the legal right to detain men attempting to avoid conscription, which is common in wartime and seen in many nations. For example, during World War II in the UK and the US, people who tried to evade military service were also detained and penalized. Russian propaganda misrepresents this legal process to create false narratives about Ukraine’s military efforts.