The Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with the Operational Rescue Service of Civil Defense, are also undergoing mobilization to ensure readiness for wartime.
There are two types of mobilization:
General mobilization — carried out nationwide, affecting all governmental structures, enterprises, and military units.
Partial mobilization — targeted and limited to specific regions or groups.
Mobilization can be conducted openly or secretly, depending on the circumstances.
On April 16, 2024, Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new law to strengthen mobilization. Key changes include:
The conscription age has been lowered from 27 to 25 years.
The cancellation of the "limited fitness" status, meaning that individuals with certain physical ailments can now serve in non-combat roles.
Mandatory medical examinations for all men to expand the pool of potential conscripts.
Reduction of exemptions from medical examinations.
Relaxation of requirements for joining airborne and naval units (effective from September 2, 2023).
It is important to note that men can be exempted from mobilization under certain conditions:
Fathers of three or more children.
Men caring for sick parents or disabled spouses, but only if other family members cannot assist.
Public servants — only 50% of those eligible for conscription in state and local authorities may receive a deferment.
Business owners classified as "critical to the economy" will be exempt from mobilization, even if they are not actively running their business.
Mobilization schedule for 2025:
General mobilization has been extended from February 8, 2025, to May 9, 2025.
Martial law has been extended for the same period.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must notify the UN and foreign officials about these extensions.
Who is subject to mobilization?
Men aged 18 to 60 with military service experience.
Men aged 25 to 60 who must undergo mandatory medical examinations by June 6, 2025, to determine their fitness.
Men removed from military records who are now considered fit or partially fit.
Who can voluntarily enlist in military service?
Women up to 60 years old who are fit for service.
Men aged 18 to 25 for contract service.
Individuals with disabilities or those who have deferments due to family circumstances.
Additionally, there is now a new voluntary contract for young people (ages 18-25) — they can sign a one-year contract in combat units and receive a financial incentive of over 1 million hryvnias.
Currently, there are no specific timelines for military service. Soldiers who have been serving since February 2022 do not know when they will be demobilized. The previous draft law proposed setting timelines, but it was not approved.
Men aged 17-25 must register at recruitment centers to be included in the "Oberih" database. This system helps track the number of potential conscripts.
Registration does not mean immediate mobilization — the law prohibits the conscription of individuals under 25 years old.
Registration takes place annually from January to March.
Schools notify students about registration, and local authorities ensure compliance for non-students.
Previously, summonses were sent to home addresses, but this method has been discontinued. Instead, students receive summonses at school, while non-students must visit recruitment centers on their own.
Earlier, "hyser" reported, mobilization from 18 years: how many young people can be recruited into the Armed Forces of Ukraine
As reported by "hyser," the military enlistment offices propose to strengthen mobilization: "busification" is just the beginning — taking away salaries and contact with loved ones