The Verkhovna Rada has allowed Ukrainian citizens over the age of 60 to sign contracts to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but this will only apply to a narrow circle of specialists. The decision to enlist a person in the army will be made at the highest level.
This was stated by People’s Deputy Fedir Venislavsky, a member of the Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, during a briefing, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
“We have adopted the relevant legislative amendment and allowed Ukrainian citizens to enter into contracts for service after the age of 60 under a fairly strict procedural form. This was done in order to avoid abuse and to prevent everyone who wants to receive certain preferences from going to serve after the age of 60,” the MP said.
According to him, the main goal is to attract unique specialists needed by the security and defense sector, in particular, experts on old Soviet weapons.
“For example, there are unique Soviet weapons that can be used, but there are no specialists because these weapons have not been used for the last 10-20 years. There are only former military personnel and officers who have the relevant experience. They can sign a contract and serve,” Venislavsky explained.
He stressed that there will be no compulsory mobilization for people aged 60+.
“60 years old is the age at which a person is removed from military registration and ceases to be liable for military service. Only with their voluntary consent, only on a contractual basis, can they serve. There can be no compulsory mobilization — this contradicts the law on military duty and military service,” the MP stressed.
He added that the decision to sign a contract with persons over 60 years of age will be made at the highest level.
“This will be at the level of the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – the commander-in-chief, the General Staff, the commanders of the branches and types of troops. This approach minimizes the risk of abuse — for example, when a person wants to obtain status or a pension supplement without any real intention of serving,” Venislavsky said.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on military service under contract for persons who have reached the age limit for military service.
Source: MP explains who aged 60+ and under what conditions can be drafted into army
