Zelensky changed the age limits for the Armed Forces of Ukraine: who will now serve in the military
11 February 02:29
Ukraine has allowed citizens aged 60 and older to serve in the military on a contract basis. The relevant conditions were approved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Decree No. 108/2026, which was published on the website of the Office of the President.
The document amends the Regulations on Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine by Ukrainian Citizens and regulates the procedure for concluding contracts with older persons during martial law.
What is the term of the contract for persons aged 60
According to the decree, contracts with citizens aged 60 and older are concluded for a term of one year. During martial law, such contracts may be extended for another year.
At the same time, in the event of the termination or cancellation of martial law, contracts concluded on this basis shall be terminated early, and military personnel shall be discharged from service in accordance with the procedure established by law.
Conditions for acceptance into service
The mandatory conditions for concluding a contract are:
- written consent of the commander of the military unit in which the person plans to serve;
- the conclusion of the military medical commission (MMC) on fitness for military service based on health status.
The candidate submits an application and a letter of consent from the commander to the territorial recruitment and social support center (TRSC) at their place of residence or stay.
Separate requirements for officers
For persons applying for officer positions, there is an additional procedure: the written consent of the commander of the military unit must be approved by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
What else does the decree change?
The decree also clarifies a number of procedures.
Termination of training contracts and expulsion of cadets
The decree also amends the procedure for terminating training contracts and expelling cadets. It clarifies the grounds on which a training contract may be terminated and cadets expelled from higher military educational institutions or military training units of higher education institutions.
In particular, it is stipulated that expelled cadets are sent to military units for further service under conscription during mobilization or to territorial recruitment centers for military registration.
Assignment of officer ranks
The document details the rules for awarding initial officer ranks to enlisted personnel, sergeants, and senior sergeants who are appointed to officer positions during martial law, and also specifies the terms of service in military ranks for combat personnel.
At the same time, these terms also apply to military personnel of non-combat units who have performed combat or special tasks as part of combat units for at least three months, as well as to military personnel who, due to their state of health, were transferred to other units after injuries or illnesses sustained while defending the Fatherland.
Cases of capture or disappearance
The issue of military personnel remaining at the disposal of commanders in cases of captivity, internment, absence without leave, or disappearance under special circumstances is regulated separately—until their return or the adoption of an appropriate decision in accordance with the procedure established by law.
In this regard, the procedure for calculating the periods of stay at the disposal of commanders and the periods that are not included in such a period has been clarified.
In addition, the decree updates the rules for sending servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to other military formations and accepting servicemen from other formations into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defines the powers of officials to formalize such decisions during martial law, and clarifies the requirements for military education for officers.
The wording regarding injuries and illnesses has been changed: instead of “sustained while performing military service,” the wording “sustained while defending the Fatherland” is now used.
The decree shall enter into force on the day of its official publication.
