Potential Changes to Military Deferments for Participants of the ‘Contract 18-24’ Program: What Ukrainians Need to Know
Amid ongoing martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine, the issue of postponements from conscription becomes particularly relevant for young reservists. Currently, conscription applies to male citizens aged 18 to 60 who receive military summons. However, recent developments in the defense sector have introduced new mechanisms for those wishing to delay their mobilization. Specifically, this concerns participants of the so-called 'Contract 18-24' — young individuals signing service contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces between the ages of 18 and 24. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, legislators are planning to amend existing laws to grant these young volunteers a 12-month deferment from mobilization. This legislative initiative aims to provide statutory guarantees, allowing young contract soldiers to not only serve but also use this time for recovery, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and necessary medical-social treatments. The government has already approved the relevant bill prepared by the Ministry of Defense, which, once enacted, will significantly influence the strategic planning of youth military service. Previously, after completing their contract or being discharged, young servicemen could be registered again for military service without further guarantee, creating uncertainty for students and young professionals. The proposed amendments to the Law ‘On Mobilization Training and Mobilization’ will eliminate this ambiguity and establish a regulatory framework to protect young people's rights and prevent unjustified repeated conscriptions. Consequently, these legislative changes will benefit those already serving under contract by preserving their time and facilitate clearer legal protections for reservists. This will strengthen the country’s defense capacity and enable young Ukrainians to better plan their personal and professional lives, ultimately contributing to the nation’s resilience and readiness.