Ukrainian Members of Parliament are proposing to involve citizens aged 60+ in military service under contract, while general mobilization applies to Ukrainians aged 25 to 60.
However, Ukrainians from the age of 18 can join the Defense Forces of Ukraine by signing a contract that provides for service exclusively in combat positions. Citizens over 60 are also of interest to the military. As explained to “Apostrophe” by the Ministry of Defense, at present it is not possible for people over 60 to sign a contract. “However, those who entered the perimeter of the Defense Forces before they turned 60 can continue their service, regardless of the maximum age,” said ministry representative Dmytro Lazutkin.
Modern warfare requires a high level of technological literacy: UAV operators, communications specialists, IT professionals, and analysts are needed. For the older generation, especially those without relevant experience, mastering these professions is often difficult. This objectively reduces their combat value on the front lines, where quick reactions, stress resistance, and the ability to work with the latest technologies are required. Therefore, mobilization of those aged 50+ is perceived by many as a forced measure to “plug holes,” rather than a strategic solution for building an effective army.
Mass mobilization of men of pre-retirement age causes irritation and anxiety in society. Many perceive this as an unfair distribution of the military burden and a threat to the lives of people who are objectively less capable of military service. Forced mobilization of “old men” on the streets may become a trigger for growing dissatisfaction with the authorities and an intensification of internal conflicts, especially if losses among this age group increase.
Mobilization of people over 50 is a consequence of an acute personnel shortage and the protracted nature of the war. However, from a military point of view, this is not a solution to the problem, but a temporary measure that may have negative consequences for both the combat effectiveness of the army and the socio-political stability of the country. To improve the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is necessary to focus on training young personnel, developing technological competencies, and motivating professionals, rather than mass recruitment of people of pre-retirement age whose capabilities are objectively limited.
