Presidential Decree on Contract Service for Men Over 60
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed Decree No. 108/2026, establishing new rules for the contract-based military service of men aged 60 and older during Ukraine's period of martial law. This policy represents a significant adaptation of military procedures, including recruitment, discharge, and rank assignment, to formally allow older citizens to serve in the armed forces. This move comes as Ukraine continues to adjust its mobilization policies to meet the demands of a protracted conflict.
Key Provisions of the New Decree
The new decree stipulates that contracts for individuals over 60 will be for a one-year term, with the option to extend for an additional year. Should martial law be lifted or terminated, these contracts will be ended prematurely. To enlist a person over 60, written consent from the unit commander is required, along with a medical fitness assessment from a military medical commission.
Furthermore, for officer positions, the commander's consent is only granted after the candidate is approved by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The decree also updates the official terminology for injuries or illnesses to 'received while defending the Homeland.'
- Ukraine has implemented an updated mechanism for extending mobilization deferrals, with approximately 90% of statuses being renewed automatically.
- Dismissed cadets are to be directed to military units for further compulsory service during mobilization or to territorial recruitment centers for military registration.
- Service time requirements for military ranks for combat personnel are now also extended to non-combat unit servicemen who have performed combat or special duties within combat units for no less than three months.
These service time requirements also apply to servicemen who, due to health reasons, were transferred to other units after sustaining injuries or illnesses received while defending the Homeland.
The decree separately regulates the status of servicemen who are at the disposal of their commanders in cases of captivity, internment, or going missing under special circumstances. The overarching aim of the decree is to refine military service processes under martial law and to facilitate the participation of older men in the nation's defense.
The presidential decree is a crucial step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, as it enables the recruitment of older individuals who may possess significant experience and knowledge.
Source: Official website of the President of Ukraine
Given the war's duration, mobilizing new resources, including older servicemen, could prove a decisive factor in sustaining the army and its combat effectiveness.