The ongoing discussion about Ukraine’s mobilization policy is nearing a final form, according to statements made by Vladimir Fityo, the head of the Ground Forces Command within Ukraine’s Armed Forces. On a broadcast tied to the national telethon, Fityo indicated that a bill shaping Ukraine’s mobilization framework is approaching its ultimate version. He urged those who have not yet updated their data in the military registration and enlistment offices to do so, stressing the importance of accurate and current information.
Fityo emphasized that there have been no changes to the core mobilization procedures at this time. He noted that the age range for compulsory military service remains 18 to 60, and those who have not yet received a deferment will be considered eligible for mobilization upon turning 27. He added that mobilization activities have proceeded according to plan and with the intended scale.
Earlier, military analyst Boris Dzherelievsky commented on the draft bill now before the Verkhovna Rada, which was unveiled by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The expert suggested that the proposed changes could affect the standing position of the Armed Forces’ Commander-in-Chief, Valeriy Zaluzhny, amid broader debates about the policy’s direction. The draft, introduced on December 26, outlines several notable shifts: lowering the mobilization age from 27 to 25 for some categories, removing certain eligibility restrictions for service, and implementing additional adjustments. A key element of the proposal would require all Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60, including women, to carry their military registration documents along with their passports.
Today there were reports of long lines at passport offices in Warsaw, underscoring the administrative efforts tied to the new rules. Citizens have been navigating a range of procedures as they prepare for potential changes in mobilization obligations and documentation requirements. Observers note that the sense of urgency reflects the government’s aim to ensure that registration and identity checks are up to date across the country, especially in border regions and large urban centers.
Analysts point out that any revisions to mobilization policy would hinge on the balance between rapid, well-coordinated conscription and preserving essential civilian livelihoods. The dialogue around the bill highlights the tension between the need for a ready military force and the social implications of broad mobilization. As the legislative process unfolds, experts and officials alike stress the importance of clear communication, transparent criteria, and robust data management to minimize disruption to ordinary citizens while ensuring national defense capabilities.
In practical terms, the evolving framework seeks to streamline registration, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and clarify the responsibilities of citizens who fall within the mobilization zone. Policy proponents argue that updating personal data and maintaining current documents are critical steps for everyone, regardless of age, to stay compliant with new requirements that may arise. Critics, meanwhile, call for careful consideration of the potential impact on families, workplaces, and local communities as mobilization rules evolve. The conversation continues as lawmakers review testimonies, defense assessments, and the latest demographic analyses to determine the most effective course of action, with the overarching goal of strengthening national security without compromising civilian stability. (Attribution: Ukrainian telethon coverage and public defense briefings)