The Cabinet of Ministers wants to change the rules of deferral from mobilization: what is known
1 July 2025 09:39
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has initiated important changes to the legislation concerning the mobilization registration of citizens who served under the Contract 18-24 project. The relevant draft law was approved at a government meeting, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing the Ministry of Defense.
What will change?
According to the current rules, after the expiration of the contract, a serviceman could be re-called up immediately after his discharge. This created legal uncertainty and left no time for rehabilitation or rest.
The proposed amendments to the Law on Mobilization Training and Mobilization provide for a 12-month deferral from mobilization for volunteers who have completed their contract service under the Contract 18-24 project.
Why is the deferral needed?
This innovation will allow to
- avoid double mobilization without a break;
- provide time for rest, adaptation and rehabilitation;
- create a transparent mechanism of accounting and motivation for new volunteers.
What is the “Contract 18-24”?
The Contract 18-24 project was officially launched in February 2024 as a voluntary initiative for Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 who wish to join the Defense Forces for up to 1 year.
It is not only about service, but also about:
- financial remuneration above the standard;
- intensive combat training under the guidance of experienced instructors;
- social guarantees, including medical care, vacations and benefits.
What young contractors are promised
After signing a one-year contract, there is a mandatory 3-month intensive training period. After 1 year of the contract, a 1-year exemption from conscription is guaranteed.
The special website where you can apply for service emphasizes that such a contract allows citizens aged 18 to 24 to receive competitive payments, prestigious experience and social guarantees that are not available in civilian life in just 1 year.
What is promised to those who sign such a contract?
– UAH 1,000,000 (UAH 200,000 immediately upon signing the contract, and UAH 800,000 in two installments for the duration of the contract);
– An additional UAH 120,000 per month for combat missions;
– Choice of unit and specialty;
– Compensation for housing during service;
– Medical support for dentistry and dental prosthetics;
– Mortgage at 0.0% per annum after the end of the contract (“eOselya”);
– Free transportation and utility benefits;
– Education in educational institutions within the quotas at the expense of the state, after the end of the contract;
– The right to travel abroad after 1 year of service.
– The right to choose the place of the preliminary vetting.
As you know, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the procedure for concluding contracts for one year for volunteers aged 18 to 24 years. As explained by the Ministry of Defense, “a 1-year contract for volunteers aged 18 to 24 provides for basic general military training, professional training and adaptation course in a military unit, as well as a number of financial and social benefits.
As a reminder, Ukraine’s international partners have repeatedly called on the Ukrainian authorities to lower the mobilization age. In response, the President of Ukraine has repeatedly stated that Ukraine sees no reason for such changes and considers them dangerous at this time. Instead, it was decided to encourage Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 to serve in the military and to develop a special contract for them.
