Ukraine has more than 160 thousand military pensioners of working age who receive pensions for years of service. Of these, more than 47 thousand individuals work outside the army, 98 thousand are officially unemployed, and only 15 thousand continue to serve.
According to the legislation, having a pension does not exempt a military pensioner from mobilization. The maximum age for reserve duty is 60-65 years, and even a person with a pension can be called to service.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that a pension is not grounds for exemption from conscription during mobilization.
In July 2025, a law was passed allowing contracts to be made with military pensioners and even individuals over 60 years of age during the state of war.
The realities of service in the army
The effectiveness of using military pensioners depends on their health status, specialization, and age limitations. Due to changes in physical condition and the severity of loads, it is necessary to constantly assess their suitability for service.
Mobilization of pensioners is possible even for lower positions, and refusal to serve may have criminal consequences.
Conditions of service and the size of military pensions are discussed in the context of growing social burdens and limitations of state funds.
In Ukraine, there are more than 160 thousand military pensioners of working age who have pensions for years of service. Some work outside the army, some are unemployed, and only tens of thousands actually continue to serve. Legislation establishes that pensions do not exempt from mobilization, and a new law allows contracts with pensioners during the state of war.