The Daily Populous Tuesday July 29th, 2025 evening edition
Authored by kyivindependent.com and submitted by Excellent_Analysis65

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill on July 29 allowing Ukrainian citizens over the age of 60 to voluntarily enlist in the military during martial law, the parliament's website shows.

The measure enables older volunteers to serve in non-combat and specialized roles, expanding Ukraine's recruitment pool amid continued manpower shortages.

Under the new law, people over 60 may sign a one-year contract for military service if they pass a medical commission and are approved by a unit commander. Officer candidates must also be cleared by the General Staff or relevant military authorities.

Each new recruit will undergo a two-month probationary period. If deemed unfit during that time, the contract may be terminated early. The law does not establish a maximum age limit for service, but all contracts will be voided automatically once martial law ends.

Ukraine faced serious manpower shortages in late 2024 amid a heavy Russian offensive in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian leadership has sought to alleviate the crisis by broadening the mobilization pool and offering new incentives for volunteers.

In April 2024, Kyiv lowered the draft age from 27 to 25. In February 2025, the country introduced one-year contracts for 18-24-year-old volunteers with added financial incentives.

The new law is expected to help address staffing gaps in technical, logistical, and support units, where experienced professionals are in high demand.

Alienhaslanded on July 29th, 2025 at 13:44 UTC »

Allowing, not forcing. That means people over 60 can contribute, if they want.

abz_eng on July 29th, 2025 at 12:43 UTC »

The UK in WWII had the Home Guard of 17 to officially 65, but there were eighty plus year olds in it. And the UK wasn't invaded

DeafeningMilk on July 29th, 2025 at 11:15 UTC »

Because so many comments are somehow missing this, this allows them to join the military during wartime.

It isn't a conscription of people over 60 and they are most likely going to be for non-combat roles as such it isn't a sign of desperation.

It makes no sense to have a cut off of 60 for such roles in the military.

"President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill on July 29 allowing Ukrainian citizens over the age of 60 to voluntarily enlist in the military during martial law, the parliament's website shows.

The measure enables older volunteers to serve in non-combat and specialized roles, expanding Ukraine's recruitment pool amid continued manpower shortages."

The manpower shortages sure aren't a good thing however they aren't so drastic that Ukraine is anywhere close to collapse.

Added note: if they were desperate they would be lowering the conception age from 25 if they needed bodies for the front line.