Deferment for participants in the ‘Contract 18-24’ Program will be guaranteed by law, according to the government decision

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has initiated legislative amendments to grant a 12-month mobilization deferral for volunteers who have completed service under the ‘Contract 18–24’ program.

The pertinent draft law, developed by the Ministry of Defence, was approved at the government session on Friday.   

Previously, after discharge from military service, such individuals could be placed on the military register and immediately recalled to active duty. The approved amendments to the Law of Ukraine ‘On Preparation and Implementation of Mobilization’ will resolve this legal uncertainty.

Furthermore, the legally guaranteed deferral will provide volunteers with the opportunity to rest and, if necessary, undergo essential medical and social rehabilitation.

In February, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine officially launched the ‘Contract 18-24’ project. This voluntary initiative is directed towards Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 who are willing to join the Defence Forces for a one-year term.

The project offers additional financial rewards, professional training under the guidance of instructors with combat experience, and social guarantees.