"This question has been raised from the perspective of its presence in public discourse. However, I am glad that this question is being asked, as we have a very clear answer. We cannot accept this criticism, as there is no system for planning, training, and equipping Ukrainian brigades," she stated.
The Vice Prime Minister mentioned the "lack of planning on the part of allies" and emphasized that "such inability cannot be attributed to the mobilization age in Ukraine."
According to Stefanishina, she discussed the mobilization age of Ukrainians specifically with European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
"The EU can play a significant role in training Ukrainian military... The capabilities here are substantial – the issues lie in planning. With proper planning and equipping, the question of mobilization would certainly not be a subject of such discussions," the Ukrainian official believes.
Stefanishina labeled calls to lower the mobilization age of Ukrainians to 18 as an "unacceptable position."