Ukraine Opens Military Service to Men Aged 60 and Over.

Revisions to Military Service Regulations

According to TSN.ua: President Volodymyr Zelensky has amended Ukraine's military service regulations, authorizing men aged 60 and older to sign contracts for army service. The decree containing these changes was published on the website of the President's Office. This move allows individuals aged 60 and above, who are deemed fit for service by a military medical commission, to join the armed forces while martial law remains in effect.

Contract Signing Procedure

The new policy stipulates that relevant applications and letters from military unit commanders must be submitted to recruitment centers. Furthermore, to finalize a contract, the written consent of the military unit commander is required, which must then be approved by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This initiative is based on Law No. 4467-IX, which was supported by Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada in July 2025. The legislative changes thus create a pathway for older men to enlist for military service in Ukraine under martial law. This policy shift highlights the significant and ongoing personnel demands faced by the Ukrainian military after years of conflict.

The amendments reflect the growing need for human resources within Ukraine's armed forces amid the protracted war. By permitting older men to join the army, the government aims to attract more volunteers who can contribute to national defense. This could also alter the demographic composition of military units, as the experience and life wisdom of older service members may prove valuable to younger generations of soldiers.