Rada allows voluntary mobilization of men over 60

The Verkhovna Rada has allowed citizens over 60 to serve in military service under a contract of their own free will.

Roman Kostenko, a member of the Verkhovna Rada from the Holos faction, who is one of the authors of the bill, announced this on Facebook, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

"(Draft Law) No. 13229 – adopted in the second reading. The law gives persons aged 60+ the right to voluntarily sign a contract for military service. This is an opportunity for experienced specialists to help in non-combat and specialized positions. There is no coercion – only motivated, professional volunteers," he said.

The draft law provides that during the period of martial law, with the written consent of the commander of the military unit, persons over the age of 60 who are recognized by the military medical commission as fit for military service in terms of health may be accepted for military service under a contract, for the positions of private, sergeant or non-commissioned officer, as well as junior or senior officer (provided that these persons were discharged from military service after January 1, 2015).

The term of the contract is one year with the possibility of concluding new contracts.

The explanatory note to the draft law notes that after its adoption, it is expected that the process of staffing the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during martial law will improve, which will contribute to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in February the Ministry of Defense officially launched the "Contract 18-24" project - a voluntary initiative for Ukrainians aged 18-24 who are ready to join the Defense Forces for a period of one year. In Ukraine, men aged 18 to 60 are subject to mobilization. At the same time, men under 25 are not called up if they do not have military education, military experience and have not served in the army.

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