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UNIAN, photo ua.depositphotos.com The Verkhovna Rada extended martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine for another 90 days — until 29 January 2027.
How mobilization will take place in Ukraine in November 2026, who and at what age can be called up for service, and what rules apply to men older than 50 years — we explain in this article.
At what age people are drafted for the war in Ukraine
Who may be mobilized in 2026 — draft starting from 1 November
How mobilization for 50+ will proceed
At what age people are drafted for the war in Ukraine
If we talk about the mobilization age in Ukraine in 2026, the general threshold remains unchanged: men subject to military service are liable for mobilization from 25 to 60 years. The lower age limit was lowered from 27 to 25 years in 2024.
Young men from 18 to 25 years, as a rule, are not subject to mobilization but may join military service voluntarily, including by signing a "18-24" contract for one year. After discharge from service, provided they meet the conditions established by law, they receive a deferment from mobilization for 12 months.
However, being under 25 years does not mean conscription is excluded in all cases. Certain categories of men may be subject to mobilization under the law — in particular, if they have the status of reservist and lack lawful grounds for deferment.
The upper age limit for mobilization for most reservists is 60 years. Men older than this age may join military service voluntarily in the manner prescribed by law.
Who may be mobilized in 2026 — draft starting from 1 November
On 26 October the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine again extended martial law and general mobilization. In practice, this means that the main rules of conscription remain the same. Restrictions on leaving the country for men in the relevant categories also continue to apply in accordance with the law.
Who is being taken to the war in Ukraine now:
men aged from 25 to 60 years, if they are subject to mobilization and have no right to a deferment or exemption;
men up to 25 years old who belong to categories of reservists provided for by law;
reservists who previously had health-related restrictions, if after a repeat medical examination their status changed and they are eligible for conscription.
When filling units, the army’s needs for specialists are taken into account, in particular for drone operators, artillerymen, signalmen, medics, IT specialists, and drivers.
Mandatory mobilization of women has not been introduced. Women may serve in the military voluntarily, and military registration obligations for certain categories are determined by law.
How mobilization for 50+ will proceed
Men aged from 50 to 59 years (inclusive) may be mobilized if they are fit for service by health and do not have a deferment. Mobilization at 59 years is lawful, and after reaching 60 years a serviceman may be discharged from the army under established rules.
Like other reservists, men older than 50 years must be registered for military service and appear on a summons. Penalties are provided for violations of registration rules.
Place of service depends on a man’s health, his experience and specialty, and the needs of the army. Therefore some older men may be assigned to rear units, but this is not an obligatory rule for everyone.
A man may not be drafted if there are lawful grounds for this: for example, health reasons, an officially granted deferment or exemption, or certain family circumstances.
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