Elderly Ukrainian citizens aged 60 and above are now authorized to enlist in military service through contractual agreements.
In a move aimed at bolstering the country's national defense, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has adopted Draft Law No. 13229, allowing citizens aged 60 and above to voluntarily contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces during martial law. This measure targets experienced specialists who can contribute in non-combat and specialized roles.
The law emphasizes a professional, health-screened, and consent-based approach to expand military personnel capacity. Persons aged 60 or older have the right to voluntarily sign a contract for military service, provided they give motivated consent and are not subject to coercion. Candidates aged 60+ must be recognized by a military medical commission as fit for service regarding health and have the written consent of the commander of the military unit.
Eligible persons can be accepted for roles as private, sergeant, non-commissioned officer, junior officer, or senior officer, but only if they were discharged from military service after January 1, 2015. The initial contract term is one year, with an option to renew for additional contracts.
To ensure the quality of service, a two-month probation period has been established for citizens aged 60 and above. During this period, the military performance of senior volunteers is evaluated. If the evaluation is unfavorable, the contract is terminated. If the military does not pass the probation period, the contract is also terminated.
This law complements existing mobilization efforts, such as the "Contract 18-24" program for younger volunteers and the general mobilization of men aged 18 to 60 subject to conscription. The termination of contracts due to the lifting of martial law is a new aspect not mentioned in earlier bullet points.
Notably, officers aged 60 and above must have their candidacy approved by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to sign a contract. Officers in this age group can sign a contract after their candidacy is approved. Contractors aged 60 and above can hold non-combat positions of enlisted, non-commissioned, or warrant officer ranks, as well as junior or senior officer ranks.
The mobilization of conscripts aged 25 to 60 is a reminder of existing Ukrainian legislation, not a new fact. However, the law providing for the recruitment of seniors during martial law is a significant development in Ukraine's military strategy, offering an opportunity for experienced individuals to contribute to the country's defense efforts.
[1] Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. (2021). On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Voluntary Service of Citizens Aged 60 and Over in the Armed Forces of Ukraine During Martial Law. Retrieved from https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/13229-19
The new law, On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Voluntary Service of Citizens Aged 60 and Over in the Armed Forces of Ukraine During Martial Law, emphasizes a consensual and health-screened approach to expand military personnel capacity, aligning it with policy-and-legislation and general-news. Persons aged 60 or older have the right to sign a contract for military service, giving motivated consent, passing military medical screenings, and acquiring the commander's approval, provided they are not subject to coercion.
