The Ukrainian government will seek to change its recruitment rules, potentially including an alteration to age requirements, to bolster the military against Russia’s invasion.

“This law is necessary for the defense of our state and every soldier who is currently at the front,” Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov argued in favor of the legislative change. “It needs to be approved as soon as possible.” 

“Our team has already prepared a new version of the draft law, taking into account all the proposals agreed in the working order with the members of parliament at the meetings of the committee on national security, defense and intelligence,” Umerov added. 

The previous draft of the bill did not receive full approval, leading to its recall. Umerov said in a post on Facebook that the bill took “half a year in a working group” with representatives of all factions of government to compose. 

Zelenskyy refused to back the order without further information, citing concerns over the heavy economic cost of mobilizing such a recruitment effort. Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhny, head of Ukraine’s armed forces, days later denied any specific number requested but criticized the draft offices. 

Reuters contributed to this report. 

Peter Aitken is a Fox News Digital reporter with a focus on national and global news.