On April 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree lowering the mobilization age from 27 to 25 years. This action is part of a broader legislative effort aimed at enhancing the Ukrainian military’s mobilization capabilities amid ongoing challenges on the front lines and debates on the home front.
The legislation not only adjusts the age for military service but also includes provisions allowing soldiers to request demobilization after 36 months of service. Additionally, it establishes administrative penalties for conscription resistance. Alongside these measures, Zelensky has endorsed the creation of a digital database to list eligible men for military service, further streamlining the mobilization process.
Despite the new 25-year age minimum for mobilization, the average age in the Ukrainian army remains around 40, a trend that could be attributed to the widespread voluntary mobilizations and to the country’s demographics and the mass departure of women and children since the start of the Russian invasion. Note that the Ukrainian martial law currently prevents men aged 18 to 60 from leaving Ukraine.
Approved by the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament, in late May 2023, the legislation was signed by Zelensky on April 2, concluding a 10-month wait.
