White House Is Using Ukraine’s Conscription Age to Hide Its Failures, Says Ex-Commander General Hodges

Former Commanding General of US Army Europe, NATO logistics mentor and senior advisor, General Ben Hodges, criticized National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s recent remarks suggesting that Ukraine should lower its conscription age. Hodges called the comments an attempt to deflect from what he views as the Biden administration’s failure to prioritize aid for Ukraine.

Hodges shared his perspective during the conference “2025: A Decisive Year for Ukraine” organized by the European Policy Centre on January 13.

“Jake Sullivan is doing this as part of an effort by the White House over the last few months to try and whitewash their failure,” Hodges stated. “I supported the Biden administration very strongly, but they failed the critical task of making it their priority to help Ukraine.”

“The decision to lower the conscription age is Ukraine’s alone. And I find it appalling and disgusting that anyone would say, ‘You’re asking us for help, but you’re unwilling to risk your young people,’” he added.

Hodges argued that families need assurance that their sons and daughters won’t be sent into harm's way unless they are properly trained, equipped, and placed within a well-prepared unit. “The government needs to restore confidence. Lowering the age is not the solution.”

Hodges also criticized the Biden administration for failing to articulate a clear strategy for Ukraine. “They’ve never said, ‘We want Ukraine to win, and we will do whatever it takes to help them succeed, because it’s in our national interest.’ Instead, we’ve seen a dismal record of ammunition and equipment deliveries, while many allies hide behind us. This reflects a failure to define a strategic objective clearly, and I worry the next administration will repeat the same mistake,” he concluded.

Currently, men aged 25 to 60 are eligible for conscription in Ukraine under the provisions of martial law. Previously, it was reported that US President Joe Biden's administration has urged Ukraine to lower its conscription age from 25 to 18 to quickly increase the size of its army.

On November 19, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there are no plans to lower the conscription age in Ukraine. He also noted that while international partners have suggested reducing the age, he considers such a move dangerous.