A Ukrainian official was wrong or lied. Yes, the Ukrainian assault forces have apparently compelled poorly trained territorials to conduct dangerous assault operations.
Russia's youth military program "Yunarmia" consists of 1.8 million children, including hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians from occupied territories. Indoctrinated by Russian propaganda, they may become future soldiers in various conflicts.
Ukraine expanded its pool of eligible military recruits to address personnel shortages in its defense against Russian forces, according to America's top general in Europe.