Service members under the “Contract 18–24” Program are granted a guaranteed right to a deferment

On Wednesday, 11 February, the Verkhovna Rada supported the relevant draft law.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, together with the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defence, and Intelligence, completed revisions to the document.

Service members who signed the contract under the “Contract 18–24” Program have been granted a guaranteed one-year mobilization deferment after completing their service.

The draft law provides that individuals liable for military service and reservists who, during martial law, were enlisted under a one-year contract from among citizens aged 18 to 25 are exempt from mobilization for 12 months following their discharge from military service. During this period, they may be called up for military service only with their consent.

“I thank Members of Parliament for supporting this important decision—the adoption of amendments that ensure a guaranteed right to service members under the “Contract 18–24” to a mobilization deferment after completing their service. This is about clear and fair rules for young people who consciously choose to defend the country, trust in the state, and a modern approach to building a professional army. There are still several provisions that need to be adopted. We will continue working on this,” Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized.

Earlier, the Minister called on Members of Parliament to support the draft law.