In Ukraine, it is proposed to abolish age restrictions for extending service in the army

In Ukraine, it is proposed to abolish age restrictions for extending service in the army

This allows Ukraine to more effectively apply its experience and resources without the need to forcibly involve senior citizens.

In the context of a prolonged military conflict, the issue of mobilization in Ukraine has become of great importance, as the rapid staffing of the Armed Forces directly affects the country’s ability to counter threats. One of the current initiatives is Bill No. 10084, recently submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

More about the decision in Ukraine to expand the age limits for mobilization is reported by Stina.

This document aims to change the age restrictions for servicemen and improve the efficient use of qualified personnel under martial law conditions.

Currently, Ukrainian legislation sets age limitations for servicemen. According to current norms, men can serve in the army until the age of 60, while for senior officers, this limit is 65 years.

Upon reaching the specified age, servicemen have the opportunity to extend their service for up to 5 years, provided they have the necessary experience and meet medical requirements.

Bill No. 10084 proposes to abolish the age limitations for servicemen who have reached the age of 60 but continue to serve and have sufficient professional training.

It is important to emphasize that the changes pertain exclusively to those citizens who are already on military duty and are willing to continue their activities within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) under martial law.

The bill does not provide for the mobilization of citizens over the age of 60, meaning it does not include the forced involvement of men in this age category in combat actions.

The authors of the bill are members of the Verkhovna Rada from the "Restoration of Ukraine" faction, Oleksandr Yurchenko and Anatoliy Burmych. The explanatory note to the document states that the main goal of this bill is to overcome age discrimination and create conditions for broader involvement of qualified specialists in the ranks of the AFU.

The proposal involves the possibility for servicemen who have reached the age limit, but possess the necessary knowledge and experience, to continue serving in positions where their professional skills may be in demand.

This bill highlights the importance of the experience and readiness to continue serving for those servicemen who can be useful under the intensified defence conditions of the country.

However, the project clearly indicates that this does not pertain to mandatory mobilization. Thus, men aged 60 and over will not be forcibly mobilized, and the draft of individuals of this age for military tasks is not foreseen.

Should the document be adopted, the changes will only affect those servicemen who are already serving and wish to continue service after reaching the age limit.

At the moment, mobilization in Ukraine pertains to individuals aged 18 to 60. In this age category, there are certain limitations and requirements; for example, mandatory mobilization only concerns citizens who are in reserve or have completed military departments.

Youths under the age of 25 are usually drafted on a voluntary basis, and men who are already serving may have their service extended depending on their health and level of training.

However, Bill No. 10084 provides for the continuation of service for current servicemen aged 60 and over, provided they meet all medical and professional requirements.

Thus, the main difference in the proposed changes from the current legislation is that they do not imply the automatic involvement of people aged 60 and over, but provide the right to voluntarily continue service for those with high qualifications and readiness to serve under martial law.

The adoption of this bill, if approved, will open additional opportunities to enhance the country’s defence capabilities by utilizing experienced personnel, who can significantly increase the efficiency of the Armed Forces’ operations.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that the bill does not address issues of mandatory mobilization, excluding the introduction of new restrictions for citizens over 60 years of age within the framework of compulsory service.

Ultimately, it is worth noting that the proposals outlined in Bill No. 10084 allow for resolving the shortage of professionals who could contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s defence while respecting the rights of older citizens by giving them the option to continue service voluntarily.