Ukraine Grants 12-Month Mobilization Deferral for Young Military Contract Veterans.

Understanding Law 4782-IX: Key Changes to Mobilization Rules

According to TSN.ua: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed Law No. 4782-IX, introducing a significant new provision for young Ukrainians. The law provides a 12-month deferral from mobilization for citizens aged 18 to 25 who signed a one-year military contract during martial law and have already been discharged from service. This measure aims to protect the rights of young contract soldiers who volunteered for duty, ensuring they receive a promised period of respite. The new rule will take effect the day after its official publication.

Under the new provisions, young people who have completed their contracted service will be entitled to a full year without being remobilized into any defense sector units. Fedir Venislavskyi emphasized this point, stating,

"People who have served under a contract will have the right to 12 months of rest and will not be mobilized again into any defense sectors."

This law resulted from the adoption of draft law No. 13574 by the Verkhovna Rada on February 11, 2026. Roman Kostenko highlighted that previous norms "violated the promised right of young contractors to a year of deferral." In turn, Mykhailo Fedorov noted,

"The law ensures the fulfillment of state guarantees to young people who voluntarily choose military service."

Supporting Young Citizens Who Serve

The introduction of the 12-month deferral is designed to support young citizens who chose to serve in the army, guaranteeing them an opportunity to recuperate after fulfilling their military obligation. These changes are expected to positively influence the motivation of youth to undertake contract service and boost the overall morale of service members.

This law represents a crucial step in providing social guarantees for young Ukrainians who opt for military service. Amid a war where the need for soldiers remains high, the deferral could encourage more people to sign contracts, as it allows young individuals time to recover and plan for their future. It may also strengthen ties between the military and civilian populations, as young contractors can serve as positive examples within their communities.