The Verkhovna Rada is preparing new rules for involving veterans and elderly citizens in service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Despite the current legislative norm, which stipulates that mobilization and military service cover citizens aged from 25 to 60, parliamentary representatives have registered a bill that paves the way for signing contracts with elderly servicemen — those over 60 years old. This was reported by Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, in a comment to "Ukrainska Pravda." According to him, the initiative arose amid active public support and a desire among veterans to once again participate in the country's defense. "Since the beginning of the large-scale war, many citizens aged 60 and over have expressed a desire to assist in defending the state. They possess a high level of motivation, significant professional experience, and a willingness to return to service; however, current legislation does not permit them to do so," he noted. The new bill №13229 proposes lifting age restrictions for those wishing to sign a contract with military formations during the period of martial law. According to the document, with the written consent of the unit commander and a military medical commission’s conclusion, civilians aged over 60 will be able to sign contracts and serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They will have the opportunity to occupy positions as privates, non-commissioned officers, or warrant officers, as well as officer positions — both junior and senior command ranks — provided they have been discharged from service after January 1, 2015. The contract duration for veterans over 60 will be one year, with the possibility of extension and entering into new agreements. For candidates for senior command positions from this age group, cooperation with the military will only be possible with their nominations agreed upon with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The legislation also provides for a two-month probationary period — if the individual does not meet military requirements, the contract will be terminated, which is standard procedure for new signees. Supported by 37 deputies, the bill is currently undergoing its first reading in the relevant committee. After approval there, the document will be forwarded for a vote in the parliament’s plenary session. It is expected that the final decision will be made by the parliament in the near future. It is worth recalling that the current Ukrainian legislation establishes mobilization for citizens aged from 25 to 60, which is traditionally considered the maximum appropriate age range for forming military units in times of war. However, such an initiative to involve elderly people raises interest and certain questions regarding potential risks and benefits. Preparations for these changes are happening amid debates about the role of veterans in the modern army and their ability and willingness to participate in combat or support operations. Whether this practice becomes part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the country’s defense capacity remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it is clear that Ukrainian society demonstrates a desire for maximum mobilization of all possible resources to restore and bolster national security amid the ongoing aggression by Russian occupiers.