General Staff is discussing lowering the mobilization age to 50–55 years - Kostenko

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is discussing lowering the mobilization age to 50-55 years. This was stated by Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Roman Kostenko, according to Українська правда.

"The General Staff is discussing the possibility of changing approaches to mobilization taking into account age, in particular limiting the conscription of citizens over 50 or 55 years old, with the exception of those liable for military service who have scarce or critically necessary specialties for the army".

Kostenko emphasized that there is no final decision yet. The discussion of possible options is ongoing. He also clarified that to lower the mobilization age, it is not necessary to amend the legislation — "a corresponding management decision is sufficient".

"As for lowering the mobilization age below 25 years — currently this issue is not considered. Implementing such a decision without amending the legislation is impossible".

Background:

• Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Roman Kostenko stated on August 22, 2026, that the Ukrainian authorities are preparing "radical" changes in the mobilization process that will affect the conscription age.
• Currently, the mobilization age in Ukraine is from 25 to 60 years.