US lawmakers pressuring Zelensky to lower mobilization age to 18

U.S. lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties are urging President Volodymyr Zelensky to lower Ukraine’s military conscription age to 18, according to Serhii Leshchenko, a Presidential Office advisor, on Oct. 15.

In mid-April, Ukraine’s parliament passed a new mobilization law aimed at expanding conscription efforts in response to Russia's ongoing war. The legislation streamlined the process for identifying eligible conscripts and increased penalties for draft evasion. Additionally, a separate law signed by Zelensky reduced the minimum age for mandatory service from 27 to 25.

However, Leshchenko revealed that U.S. officials believe these measures are insufficient and are pushing Zelensky to lower the conscription age by another seven years. They have reportedly referenced the U.S. experience during the Vietnam War, when men aged 18 to 26 were drafted, with 2.2 million conscripted through selective service.

So far, Zelensky has resisted these demands, focusing instead on securing more U.S. military aid.

The updated mobilization law, which came into effect on May 18, gave military-aged men 60 days to update their personal information with the state, with the deadline expiring on July 17, 2024. During this period, 4,690,496 eligible men complied, according to the Defense Ministry.

Russia may resume strikes on Ukraine's energy sector in autumn

Ukraine is bracing for large-scale Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure during the autumn and winter months, according to Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, as reported by Interfax Ukraine on Oct. 15.

Lytvynenko warned that with the onset of the “heating season,” starting in mid-October and lasting until April, Ukraine could expect intensified strikes on the energy sector. This mirrors Russia’s previous campaigns, which targeted Ukrainian energy facilities during the fall and winter of 2022-23 and again in the spring of 2024, leading to severe energy shortages and nationwide rolling blackouts.

Speaking at the Energy in Industry 2024 exhibition in Kyiv, officials emphasized the resilience and adaptability of Ukraine’s energy sector, noting that Russia’s efforts to cripple the economy have not succeeded. However, Ukrainian leaders remain concerned about renewed attacks, including possible strikes on nuclear facilities, as part of Russia’s strategy to disrupt the heating season and weaken Ukrainian morale.

Between March and August 2024, Russia destroyed all of Ukraine’s thermal power plants and nearly all hydroelectric facilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in September.

A report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that Ukraine could face an electricity deficit of up to 6 gigawatts this winter, nearly one-third of the peak demand.

Russian missile attack on Mykolaiv killed 1, injured 23

A Russian missile strike on the southern city of Mykolaiv in the early hours of Oct. 15 killed one woman and injured 23 others, Governor Vitalii Kim announced.

The attack occurred around 2:30 a.m. when Russian forces launched S-300 anti-aircraft missiles at the city, damaging an industrial facility, a restaurant complex, shops, residential buildings, and vehicles. Kim added that at least three of the injured received outpatient treatment.

The State Emergency Service reported that fires broke out in residential areas, covering 30 and 400 square meters, but were swiftly extinguished. Another fire, affecting the restaurant complex and nearby shops across 1,400 square meters, remains under control but is still being extinguished.

Mykolaiv, located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of the front line in Kherson Oblast, is frequently targeted in Russian attacks, along with other southern regions. Kim also reported that three Shahed-type drones were shot down overnight in Mykolaiv Oblast.