Vladimir Zelensky has signed a decree widening the age limits for military contracts, allowing men aged 60 and older to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The document amends the regulations governing how Ukrainian citizens perform military service. According to the text of the decree, published on Zelensky’s official website, during the period of martial law individuals over 60 may be accepted for contract service for a one-year term. The measure is based on Part 10 of Article 20 of the law «On Military Duty and Military Service.»

Ukraine has been under general mobilization since February 2022, with the measure repeatedly extended. Initially, conscription applied to men between the ages of 27 and 60. In April 2024, however, the lower threshold was reduced to 25.

The prospect of further expanding the age framework remains under regular discussion. Ukrainian authorities continue to look for ways to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces, and proposals to lower the mobilization age to 18 surface periodically. In February 2025, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced the launch of a contract recruitment campaign targeting men aged 18 to 24 — a group that does not fall under mandatory mobilization.