Zelensky demobilizes conscripts serving extended terms, ahead of expected reforms to Ukraine’s military draft

President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an executive order to demobilize conscripted soldiers whose service term was extended beyond Ukraine’s established terms amid martial law imposed during Russia’s full-scale invasion. The demobilization will take effect in April and May 2024.

Zelensky’s office submitted legislation to Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada on February 22 to change the terms of military conscription. The initiative outlined the demobilization of Ukrainian conscripts who were not discharged from the military after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Lawmakers approved Zelensky’s bill the next day.

In early February, Ukrainian lawmakers adopted the first reading of a bill on mobilization that would lower the country’s draft age from 27 to 25 and set the demobilization timeframe for these soldiers at 36 months of service. The legislation would also introduce electronic draft-board summons and replace conscription with basic military training.