Reduction of the mobilization age and demobilization:
Recent media reports about lowering the mobilization age to 18 have been denied by government officials. Both President Volodymyr Zelensky and parliament members emphasized that there are no plans to reduce the current minimum mobilization age of 25. Zelensky insists that the youth should not make up for deficiencies in equipment or training.
It is also reported that the draft law on demobilization is nearing completion, according to First Deputy Minister of Defense Ivan Havryliuk. However, it cannot be implemented until sufficient military reserves are established. Experts argue that mobilization policy should focus on attracting motivated specialists to ensure combat readiness.
Abolition of deferment starting January 2025:
Resolution No. 1204, effective October 22, 2024, introduces checks for enterprises, institutions, and organizations to assess their critical status for the economy and public welfare. If an employer loses this status, employees may lose their right to deferment.
Additionally, updated rules for postgraduate education under contract now require enrollment in part-time or evening programs, which no longer grant the right to deferment.
Right to mobilization:
Starting January 2025, Ukrainians aged 25 to 60 who are not eligible for deferment, according to Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine on "Mobilization and Mobilization Preparation," may be mobilized. In certain cases, individuals aged 18 to 25 who have completed mandatory military service or graduated from military departments may also be called up.
Changes in the delivery of summons:
Resolution No. 1147, effective October 8, 2024, alters the process of delivering summons through Ukrposhta. Now, postal representatives must deliver summons in person, marked "Summons TCK" and "To be delivered in person." If the recipient is absent, the postal worker may notify them by phone or leave a message in the mailbox. Recipients must collect the summons within three days; otherwise, it will be returned to TCK.
Unified register of servicemen:
On December 18, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada approved the establishment of a Unified Register of Servicemen. This database will be integrated with the Electronic Health System, allowing the Ministry of Defense to access medical examination results and assign unique electronic military IDs. These IDs will facilitate the provision of benefits and social services to servicemen and their families.
Consequences of the cyberattack for state registers:
Following a large-scale cyberattack, the deferment for critical workers, effective as of December 19, 2024, was automatically extended for one month, but no later than February 28, 2025.
Deferment for clergymen:
Resolution No. 1498, adopted on December 26, 2024, allows for the deferment of up to 50% of clergymen in each religious organization. Positions must be approved by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience.
Introduction of military accounting inspectors:
On December 25, 2024, the National Qualifications Agency registered a new professional standard for military accounting inspectors. These individuals will maintain military records at Ukrainian enterprises.
Innovations in the Reserve+ application:
The Reserve+ application now allows users to update their personal data in the Oberih registry weekly. By February 2025, the Ministry of Defense plans to include electronic referrals for military medical commission assessments through the app, replacing the paper process.