Demobilization in the Armed Forces of Ukraine 2024: Who and Under What Conditions Can Be Released from Military Service.

The full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine has been ongoing for more than two years, and along with it, the mobilization into the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues. Many military personnel have been on the front lines since the beginning of the Russian aggression, and the issue of the possibility of demobilization is becoming increasingly relevant.

The NV publication clarified the situation with demobilization and the prospects for different categories of military personnel in 2024.

Currently, there is no mass demobilization in Ukraine. This is due to the ongoing hostilities, the need to protect the territorial integrity of the country, and the current legislation, which limits the possibilities of demobilization during martial law. In addition, insufficient rates of new mobilization complicate the replacement of experienced military personnel.

According to the current legislation, during martial law, demobilization is only possible if there are certain grounds established in Article 26 of the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service".

The emergence of a demobilization law is a complex process that depends on many factors, including the situation on the front lines, the pace of mobilization, and the supply of weapons. The stabilization of the front line or significant successes of Ukrainian troops may contribute to the consideration of the issue of demobilization. The successful recruitment of new military personnel may allow for the replacement of those who have been in service for a long Time. Increased military aid from international partners may compensate for the need for a large number of personnel.

Ministry of Defense spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin noted that the work on the law is a complex process that requires thorough consultations and the determination of clear timelines.

Service Terms for Different Categories of Military Personnel

The terms of service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine vary depending on the category of military personnel:

• For enlisted personnel and sergeants, they range from 12 months to 5 years.
• Persons with a master's degree at the time of conscription for compulsory military service serve up to 12 months.
• Soldiers and sailors, sergeants, and chiefs of compulsory service serve up to 18 months.
• Contracted enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine serve up to 3 years, and sergeants and chiefs – from 3 to 5 years.
• For officers, the term of service is from 24 to 60 months.
• Citizens who received the initial officer rank after completing a full course of military training serve from 24 to 60 months.
• Graduates of military educational institutions serve for 5 years.
• For other categories of citizens, the term of service may be from 12 to 60 months, depending on the specifics of the service and the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

During martial law, conscripts remain in service until it ends or until there are legal grounds for demobilization. As of August 1, 2023, conscripts whose term of service is ending can voluntarily mobilize and transition to the status of mobilized with corresponding rights and obligations.

On February 26, 2024, President Zelensky signed a law on the demobilization of conscripts whose term of service expired during martial law. This law provides for the release of such military personnel into the reserve and establishes a 12-month deferment from mobilization for demobilized conscripts.

The new mobilization law also amends the conscription system, replacing compulsory military service with basic general military training (BGMT) for men aged 18-24, fit for military service due to health conditions. Women can undergo BGMT voluntarily. The duration of BGMT is up to 5 months in peacetime and no more than 3 months during martial law.

Mobilized military personnel serve until the end of martial law or until the official announcement of demobilization. They can be released on legal grounds if there are supporting documents.

Military contractors serve until the end of their contract term. However, after the contract term ends during martial law, it is automatically extended. The service continues until the end of martial law, official demobilization, or the emergence of legal grounds for discharge.

A special case involves military contractors without Ukrainian citizenship, who have the right to be discharged at their own request.

Grounds for Release from Military Service

Release for health reasons is possible in cases where unfitness for military service with removal from military registration or unfitness for military service with re-examination after 6-12 months is established.

The decision is made by the military medical commission (MMC) after a medical examination. The MMC may prescribe treatment with subsequent re-examination, after which a final decision is made on returning to service or discharge. Diseases falling under point a) in the Schedule of Diseases are taken into account.

Release for family reasons is possible in the following cases:

• Raising a child with a disability under 18 years old or raising a child with a serious illness (without establis...