Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law increasing the maximum age for military service, which is now set at 60.
This is confirmed by the law card published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
It states that the document has been returned with Zelensky’s signature.
On July 16, the Rada passed this law in the second reading with 306 votes. As explained by Deputy Irina Herashchenko at the time, this will allow individuals over the age of 60 to sign contracts for military service. She noted that the law’s wording is unclear regarding who should approve candidates for contract service, which creates opportunities for abuse or selective decisions. The procedures themselves will be defined in by-laws, which must be adopted within three months after the law comes into force.
Currently, in Ukraine, men aged 25 to 60 are subject to conscription. A general mobilization was announced in the country in February 2022, with its rules significantly tightened since May of last year, and many categories of conscripts lost their privileges and deferments. Nevertheless, authorities are facing significant difficulties in filling the army and are trying to recruit individuals who are not subject to compulsory conscription.
Amid discussions about a possible new reduction in the conscription age (the authorities had already lowered it once: until April 2024, men aged 27 to 60 were subject to conscription), in February this year, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced the start of recruitment for contract service for men aged 18 to 24. They are promised high salaries, benefits for education, and other perks; however, the condition of the contract is mandatory service in infantry brigades located on the front lines.
