Mortal law is still in effect in Ukraine, so the issue of mobilizing older men remains relevant. Since January 1, conscription has been carried out in accordance with the current legislation — “On Mobilization Training and Mobilization,” which does not establish separate age restrictions for men after 50 years of age within the general conscription age.
Citizens liable for military service include citizens aged 25 to 60. This means that men aged 50, 55, or even 59 can be mobilized on general grounds. The procedure remains standard: after receiving a summons, you need to appear at the territorial recruitment center, pass a military medical commission that assesses your health, after which a decision is made on your fitness for service.
When considering a candidacy, not only age is taken into account, but also physical condition, current specialty, work experience, army needs, as well as possible deferment or reservation. If a man is found suitable, has no legal grounds for dismissal, and can be useful to the Armed Forces, he can be drafted even on the eve of his 60th birthday.
Most often, those mobilized after the age of 50 are not sent to combat units. In most cases, they are involved in logistics and technical areas – logistics, communications, facility security, administrative or engineering work, and technical support. During the distribution, special attention is paid to the state of health and previous professional experience in order to minimize the risks to the person.
At the same time, there are categories of men who are not mobilized after the age of 50. These are persons with confirmed medical contraindications by decision of the VLK, as well as employees of enterprises, institutions or organizations that have an official reservation as critically important for the state. After reaching the age of 60, men are automatically excluded from the registration of those liable for military service.
However, even after the age of 60, there is still the opportunity to serve in the army voluntarily. For this, a special contract «60+» for a period of one year is provided. Such service is possible subject to passing a medical commission and meeting established requirements and allows people with experience or a desire to join the country’s defense to make their contribution to the defense of Ukraine.
