Mobilization is underway in Ukraine, which includes men aged 25 to 60. However, sometimes summonses are also received by those who have already crossed this age limit. Is this legal and what to do in such a situation, explained lawyer Tetyana Savchenko.
According to Article 22 of the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service”, 60 years is the maximum mobilization age for privates, sergeants and lower-ranking officers. After reaching this age, a man is no longer considered liable for military service and is not subject to conscription.
“At 59, they can still be drafted, but at 60, they can’t,” the lawyer emphasizes.
Upon reaching the age of 60, you must independently contact the territorial recruitment center (TCK), provide the necessary documents and write an application for removal from military registration. Only after this does military service officially cease, and summonses are no longer allowed to be served.
If a person was mobilized after the age of 60, they can submit a report for discharge under Article 26 of the same law. In this case, the military unit must discharge them from service.
Men over the age of 50 can be mobilized if they are fit for service. For high-ranking officers, the maximum mobilization age is 65. Also, highly qualified servicemen can voluntarily continue their service until this age.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that the number of appeals regarding human rights violations by the CCC increased in 2025. This includes, in particular, cases of illegal service of summonses and unlawful mobilization.
In view of this, human rights activists advise to carefully monitor compliance with the law, especially in cases where summonses are received by people who are not subject to mobilization.
