In Ukraine, the issue of mobilization of men under the age of 25, who previously had the status of “limitedly fit for military service,” remains unsettled. Despite the law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada that would prohibit their mobilization, the document has not yet entered into force.
This was reported by lawyers, commenting on citizens' appeals regarding changes in legislation after the abolition of the "limitedly suitable" category.
Previously, Ukrainian legislation had a category of citizens who were considered to be limitedly fit for military service. After the changes adopted during the full-scale war, this category was abolished. All such citizens had to undergo a repeated military medical examination and receive a new status.
In one case, a 23-year-old man who previously had a “limitedly fit” status and was later made eligible for military service turned to lawyers. He asked if he could be mobilized, given his age and the existence of a bill that would limit this.
Lawyers explain that the situation remains legally uncertain today. Attorney Yuriy Ayvazyan notes that the so-called directive No. 11379d is not a regulatory act and has no legal force.
At the same time, in October 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted Law No. 3939-IX, which prohibits the mobilization of men under the age of 25 if they were previously recognized as limitedly fit. However, this law has not yet been signed by the president, and therefore has not entered into force.
Because of this, according to lawyers, former limitedly fit people who do not have a formal deferment are formally subject to mobilization regardless of age.
After re-passing the military medical commission, such citizens can receive different statuses — from fully fit for service to fit only for performing tasks in the rear, territorial recruiting centers, or educational institutions.
Separately, lawyers note that men under the age of 25 who previously had the status of limited fitness can travel abroad during martial law. However, in the absence of a postponement, they may be stopped by representatives of the CCC on the way to the border.
Thus, the issue of mobilizing this category of citizens remains open and actually depends on the president's signature on the already adopted law.
