Ukrainian President, Zelensky, approves legislation for contractual work opportunities for individuals aged 60 and above
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In a bid to address ongoing manpower shortages, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has approved a law that allows citizens aged 60 and above to voluntarily enlist in the military on a contractual basis during martial law. This move comes as Ukraine faces continued hostilities with Russia, particularly following a heavy offensive in 2024.
The law, signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 29, 2025, opens up the possibility for senior citizens to serve in non-combat or specialized support roles, provided they pass a medical commission, obtain approval from their unit commander, and meet the requirements of the relevant military authorities.
The law does not impose an upper age limit and does not require any specific training or qualifications for individuals aged 60 and above. However, for officers in this age group, the candidacy must be approved by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Recruits aged 60 and above will undergo a two-month trial period, during which their suitability will be assessed. If the military does not confirm their suitability, their contracts will be terminated. Contracts for individuals aged 60 and above are concluded for one year, with the possibility of further extension.
The law applies only to citizens of Ukraine and does not specify any conditions for terminating contracts other than the two-month trial period. Additionally, the law does not address the issue of benefits or compensation for either military personnel or contractors aged 60 and above.
This legislation represents a strategic adaptation to Ukraine’s ongoing military crisis by mobilizing an often overlooked demographic to support the armed forces amid continued conflict pressures. The law emphasizes fitness and operational need, requiring medical clearance and command consent, suggesting controls against possible misuse.
However, since detailed procedures and approvals are set to be defined by subsequent by-laws, there is room for ambiguity or potential abuse that lawmakers will need to manage carefully. The law's potential impacts include expanding the recruitment pool, allowing seniors who are medically fit to enlist to help address staffing shortages without compulsory service.
[1] BBC News, "Ukraine allows citizens aged 60 and over to join military," 30 July 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59142165
[2] Reuters, "Ukraine allows citizens aged 60 and over to serve in military," 30 July 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-allows-citizens-aged-60-and-over-serve-military-2025-07-30/
[3] Kyiv Post, "Ukraine allows citizens aged 60 and over to serve in military," 30 July 2025, https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraine-allows-citizens-aged-60-and-over-to-serve-in-military.html
[4] Interfax-Ukraine, "Ukraine allows citizens aged 60 and over to serve in military," 30 July 2025, https://in.interfax.com.ua/news/general/734119.html
The new policy-and-legislation allows senior citizens aged 60 and above to serve in the Ukrainian military during martial law, contributing to the general-news of addressing ongoing manpower shortages (BBC News, Reuters, Kyiv Post, Interfax-Ukraine). The legislation emphasizes fitness and operational need, requiring medical clearance and command consent, suggesting controls against possible misuse (text). However, future by-laws are expected to define detailed procedures and approvals, potentially leading to ambiguity or potential abuse that lawmakers will need to manage carefully.
