National Youth Council Formed by Ukrainian Government
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved the composition of the National Council on Youth Affairs. In a related move, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) has backed draft law No. 13574. This legislation proposes a one-year deferral from mobilization for conscripts and reservists aged up to 25 who have completed a voluntary year of service under the 'Contract 18-24' program. The law is designed to amend Article 23 of Ukraine's 'On Mobilization Training and Mobilization' law. These developments come as Ukraine seeks to balance its defense needs with support for its younger citizens during the ongoing war.
Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has been appointed as the head of the National Council on Youth Affairs. The council's membership includes:
- Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi
- Minister of Culture, Tetiana Berezhna
- Representatives from youth public associations, student self-government bodies, and relevant ministries and agencies
New Mobilization Rules for Young Service Members
Under the new provisions, conscripts and reservists aged 18 to 25 who voluntarily served for one year under contract during martial law and were discharged on lawful grounds will be exempt from automatic conscription for 12 months following their service. They can only be called up again during this period with their personal consent. This measure aims to support young people willing to serve their country while providing them a degree of protection after fulfilling their military duty.
These decisions form part of the Ukrainian government's broader strategy to encourage youth participation in military service while offering guarantees to those who have already served. The mobilization deferral could be a significant factor for young people considering service in the Armed Forces and may help foster a more positive societal view of military duty. The establishment of the National Youth Council further signals the government's intent to actively engage with young citizens and consider their needs amidst the current challenges facing the nation.