Deferment under Contract 18-25: Service members will receive a 12-month leave

Young defenders of Ukraine have been granted the long-awaited right to a legal break from service. Service members aged 18 to 25 who have successfully completed their first one-year contract are now protected from being called up again for a full year. Learn how this leave process works

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The government has finally resolved one of the most pressing issues for the country’s young defenders. Citizens aged 18 to 25 who have served under an annual contract in the Armed Forces now have a legal right to guaranteed leave. The Cabinet of Ministers has already approved the relevant mechanism, translating the legislative provision into practical reality.

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Is a deferment granted after the end of a contract in Ukraine?

Yes, the state has officially enshrined the right to rest for young military personnel. This applies to citizens aged 18 to 25. If a young person signed a one-year contract with the Defense Forces and was discharged upon its completion, they are guaranteed a deferment from re-conscription. This provision is intended to protect the rights of young people and ensure a fair approach to army recruitment.

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How long does the deferment last after discharge from service?

The legal deferment period is exactly 12 months from the end of the contract. For a full year, a young veteran cannot be forcibly mobilized. Conscription during this period is possible only with the soldier’s voluntary consent. Thus, the state provides sufficient time for physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as for adaptation to civilian life.

Previously, the provision regarding the granting of leave required a clear implementation procedure. Today, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a transparent mechanism for granting this status. The decision was developed and refined in close cooperation with the parliamentary committee on national security, defense, and intelligence. Thanks to this, the process has become clear and predictable—after the official completion of the one-year contract, the status is formalized in accordance with the approved procedure and reliably protects against conscription.

Why was a deferment introduced for military personnel up to age 25?

The introduction of a guaranteed deferment is viewed as the most important element of the transition to a modern professional army model. The state emphasizes the voluntary nature of military service, where a military career becomes the result of a conscious choice rather than an unavoidable obligation. Official agencies emphasize that the new approach will strengthen the Armed Forces’ recruitment system and make contract service more stable and attractive to Ukrainian youth.

If you have any doubts or are planning to travel abroad in 2026, consulting an experienced migration lawyer will help you understand your rights and prepare all the documents correctly. Our specialists will help you check whether you need a deferral, what documents you should have, and will also advise on legal ways to leave without the risk of violating the rules. Contact our lawyers and crossing the border will become safe and legal.

Reminder! Employees of critical enterprises are facing widespread denials of mobilization exemptions. The reason is their “operational reserve” status in the Reserve+ app. For the state, these people are a priority resource. Find out who falls into this category and why the law does not allow for an exemption.

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