Citizens over 60 may now join the Armed Forces under one-year contracts
On June 4, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved in the first reading draft law No. 13229, which allows citizens over the age of 60 to sign one-year contracts for military service during martial law.
The bill received support from 297 Members of Parliament.
According to the draft law, individuals who have exceeded the age limit for military service (over 60 years) and are deemed fit for duty by a military medical commission may be accepted for non-combat (rear) positions within the enlisted and sergeant ranks.
Additionally, former officers who were discharged after January 1, 2015, are eligible to serve under this contract.
The legislation provides for a two-month probation period, during which “60+” contract soldiers may be discharged if found unfit for duty.
The draft law will be further refined before its second reading.
