President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law that provides for a deferral from mobilization for citizens aged 18 to 25 who, during martial law, signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine for a period of one year and were released after its completion. Information about this is published on the page of the bill No. 4782-IX on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.
According to the new norms, after completing their service, such servicemen will not be subject to re-mobilization immediately, but will remain in the status of reservists of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The “Contract 18–24” program provides for voluntary service for men aged 18 to 24. Previously, representatives of the United States and some NATO countries called on Ukraine to lower the mobilization age to 18 years due to the need to increase the number of military personnel at the front. The President of Ukraine did not support this idea, instead a one-year contract for young people was proposed.
Participants of the program are offered a financial reward, which can be up to one million hryvnias, the opportunity to apply for an interest-free mortgage, and a social package. The contract provides for service exclusively in combat positions, in particular as a rifleman, grenade launcher, or scout. Training lasts more than 80 days. Payments can also be received by servicemen who are already serving in the army but have not yet reached the age of 25.
You can apply through the official website 18-24.army.gov.ua or using the “Reserve+” application. After registration, the candidate undergoes a consultation with a recruiter, signs a contract, and undergoes training in a combat unit.
At the same time, candidates may be refused to sign a contract due to their health, including mental health. The final decision is made by the military medical commission and brigade representatives.
In October 2025, the Ministry of Defense program “Contract 18–24” was expanded – it became available to all combat units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
