What changed
The President signed a decree that, during martial law, allows persons aged 60 and over to sign one-year contracts for military service. The document was published on the official website of the head of state — it is a direct legal mechanism, not a recommendation.
"During martial law, persons aged 60 and over may sign one-year contracts for military service."
— Decree of the President of Ukraine
Who it applies to and the conditions
Briefly: 60+ during martial law can sign a one-year contract and, under certain conditions, extend it for the same period. At the same time, several restrictions apply:
- enlistment under the contract is possible only with the written consent of the commander of the military unit;
- a positive assessment by a military medical commission is required — fitness in terms of health;
- for officer positions, recruitment takes place only after the candidate is approved by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- in the event of the termination or cancellation of martial law, such contracts are terminated early and the persons are discharged from military service.
How to apply — practical steps
To join the Armed Forces of Ukraine under this procedure, you need to:
- obtain a letter (written consent) from the commander of the military unit;
- apply to the territorial recruitment center at your place of residence with the appropriate application and the commander’s letter;
- undergo a military medical commission to determine fitness;
- in the case of an officer position — wait for approval from the General Staff.
Why it matters — rationale for the decision
The decision makes it possible to quickly bring in people with specific skills and managerial experience, reducing the burden on younger age groups of the mobilization reserve. It is a logical step in a situation where the balance between the need for personnel and the restrictions of age and health requires flexibility.
At the same time the mechanism is selective: the medical commission and commander selection ensure that those who are truly fit and needed in specific roles enter service — often not on the front lines, but in logistics, technical support, training, or management.
Context and consequences
Currently, during martial law, men aged 25–60 formally remain liable for military service. On February 10 the Minister of Defense reported that the Verkhovna Rada is to consider this plenary week a draft law on the possibility of obtaining a one-year deferral from mobilization after completing service under the "18–24" contract — this is part of a broader package of changes in defense personnel policy.
Personnel experts note that the President’s decision adds operational capacity and demonstrates a pragmatic approach — but its effectiveness will depend on how quickly the system of medical examinations operates, who exactly and in which positions will be deployed, and on guarantees of social protection for those who go into service.
Conclusion
In the short term the decree expands options for recruiting qualified people and gives commanders a tool for targeted replenishment of units. In the longer term the result will depend on the administration of the process: medical commissions, clear delineation of roles, and state guarantees for contract servicemembers of advanced age. The issue on the agenda is not only quantity, but the quality and safety of those we involve in defending the country.
Source: official website of the President of Ukraine; notes — statements from the Ministry of Defense.
