Mobilisation of men aged 50+ in 2026: who is subject to conscription and deferment conditions

Current Ukrainian legislation lacks a specific provision that fully exempts all men over the age of 50 from the obligation to serve in the military during mobilisation. Under the current rules, military-age men between 25 and 60 years old are subject to conscription. Reaching the age of 50 does not remove a citizen from military registration nor does it guarantee an automatic deferment.

The possibility of conscripting a specific individual is determined by a combination of factors: military registration status, state of health, and the presence or absence of legal grounds for exemption from service. If such grounds are absent, a man in the 50+ age category may be conscripted on general terms.

List of grounds for obtaining a deferment

The right to a deferment from mobilisation is regulated by Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilisation Preparation and Mobilisation”. For men over 50, the law provides the following conditions under which conscription can be avoided:

• having a disability or a conclusion from the military medical commission (MMC) regarding temporary unfitness for military service for a specific period;
• valid job protection, processed in accordance with the established procedure;
• supporting three or more children under the age of 18 (provided there are no other circumstances that exclude this right);
• raising a minor child independently under circumstances defined by law;
• raising a child with a disability or having an adult child with a Group I or II disability;
• caring for close relatives, subject to supporting documents and legal grounds;
• guardianship of a person declared legally incapacitated by a court.

It is important to understand that each of these grounds has its own legal requirements. The mere fact of having children, relatives with disabilities, or a need for care is not always sufficient for an automatic deferment — one must meet specific criteria established in regulatory acts.

Procedure for processing a deferment from 1 November 2025

From 1 November 2025, an updated mechanism for processing and extending deferments has been in effect in Ukraine. Military-age men have two main ways to submit an application:

The first option is using the “Reserve+” application, if the electronic service is available for the specific category of citizens. The second is applying to a centre for the provision of administrative services (CNAP).

For individuals whose right to a deferment is confirmed by data from state registers, the possibility of automatic processing or extension of status is provided. If the required information is missing from the registers or the ground requires additional documentary confirmation, the application is submitted through a CNAP.

The centre administrator accepts the documents and forwards them to the relevant territorial centre for recruitment and social support (TCC and SS). It is the TCC and SS that decides on granting a deferment or refusing it. Please note: TCC and SS no longer accept deferment applications directly from citizens.

The primary confirmation of a processed deferment is the electronic military registration document, which contains the relevant information. This document can be printed if necessary.

Initiative for phased demobilisation of older age groups

Against the backdrop of public discussions, an online petition has appeared in which the author proposes to gradually cease the conscription of men over 50 and begin the demobilisation of military personnel of the corresponding age. The initiative envisages the gradual implementation of changes, taking into account the security situation in the state.

According to the author’s proposal, at the first stage, men aged 58–59 should be released from military service. Next, the age limits are planned to be expanded: first covering military personnel aged 57–59, then 55–59, and at the final stage — 51–59.

The author of the petition proposed to time the start of this process to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons, which is observed on 1 October 2026. However, submitting an online petition does not guarantee automatic changes in legislation. The adoption of new rules requires decisions by authorised state bodies.

Current situation in October 2026

As of October 2026, reaching the age of 50 in itself does not exempt one from mobilisation. Men in this age category may be conscripted for military service if they meet legislative requirements and do not have grounds for a deferment.

The decision on the possibility of serving based on health is made taking into account the results of the military medical commission.