Ukraine is updating its approach to military service, focusing on a contract model and additional guarantees for those who have already fulfilled their duty. The new decisions apply to both young contract soldiers and older citizens, changing the rules on deferrals, terms of service and conditions of participation in the army during martial law. Find out who is now eligible for a 12-month deferral after their contract and under what conditions Ukrainians over the age of 60 can perform military service
Legal advice for Ukrainians
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Several important changes in the field of military service have come into force in Ukraine. They concern both young people who have already signed a contract during martial law and older citizens who are ready to continue their service under contract. The relevant decisions were made at the level of parliament and the president.
Deferral for young people after contract service
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported bill No. 13574, which amends Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Mobilisation Preparation and Mobilisation’. The document provides for a 12-month deferral from mobilisation for conscripts and reservists aged 18 to 25 who signed a one-year contract during martial law and have already been discharged from service.
The law was passed by 243 MPs. During the discussion, there were proposals to grant such servicemen a deferral not for one year, but until they reach the age of 25. However, this initiative did not receive support, and the final version of the law stipulates a 12-month period.
This primarily concerns contracts for citizens aged 18-24, which came into effect in February 2025. These contracts provided for a financial incentive of 1 million hryvnia: 200,000 hryvnia was paid immediately, with the remainder paid during service. Participants in the programme were also promised a number of social guarantees, including the possibility of obtaining a so-called ‘zero mortgage’.
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Contract service for citizens over 60
At the same time, the age range for contract service was expanded. Volodymyr Zelensky signed Decree No. 108/2026 ‘On Amendments to the Regulations on Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine by Citizens of Ukraine.’
The document stipulates that during martial law, persons aged 60 and older may be accepted into military service under a one-year contract. The relevant provision has been added to paragraph 18 of the Regulations and is based on part ten of Article 20 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Military Duty and Military Service.’
Thus, the state has officially enshrined the possibility of continuing service for motivated and physically fit older citizens if they wish to sign a contract.
The move towards a contract army
These changes are part of a broader strategic course. Earlier, the president stated that after the end of the war or the ceasefire, Ukraine plans to move from a mobilisation model to a fully contract army. According to him, the army numbers about 800,000 people, and competitive salaries and clear terms of service should be key factors in retaining and attracting military personnel.
Reminder! Personal appeals are again mandatory for some conscripts. Ukraine has changed the procedure for submitting applications for deferment from mobilisation, and for some categories, applications can only be submitted through the Administrative Services Centre (ASC) — without online alternatives or representatives. Find out who is subject to the new rule, why the ASC only accepts documents, and who actually makes the decision on deferrals.
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Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.