Hidden mobilization resource: In Ukraine, 145,000 military pensioners may be mobilized
In Ukraine, there exists a vast and hidden mobilization reserve that raises questions in society. Military pensioners with experience in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Guard, the police, and other law enforcement structures remain at home during a major war.
Many of them work in civilian jobs or stay at home without employment, as found out by journalists of the "Telegraph" publication.
Some pensioners retired not due to loss of combat capability, but due to years of service or as a result of reforms, as happened with thousands of police officers after the creation of the National Police.
Officially, they are all retired, but in reality, they are capable of working and physically active. This situation during the war raises many questions, as the publication clarifies.
Upon retirement, approximately 636,000 military pensioners were 51 years old. Among them, 145,000 are men of conscription age who, apparently, are not working, are not in military service, and do not have disabilities.
Journalists contacted the Pension Fund of Ukraine and found that the actual figures differ slightly. As of June 2025, pensions for years of service were received by 160,859 individuals aged 45 to 60 years.
Among them, 47,091 individuals are not working in the military sphere, and 98,120 are unemployed. Another 15,544 individuals continue military service, while 104 individuals are hired employees, mobilized, or volunteers.
It became evident that the average retirement age for military pensioners is 44 years. The Pension Fund reports that the statistics include only pensions for years of service. The fund does not keep special records of individuals with disabilities.
It is unknown whether the mentioned military pensioners can serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and where they are currently located—whether in Ukraine or abroad.
The Ministry of Defence added that retirement does not exempt one from conscription into the army. The maximum age for being in the reserve is 60 years for enlisted and officer ranks and 65 years for senior officer ranks, including generals.
Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine "On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization" does not contain a provision stating that having a pension exempts one from conscription for military service, as stated in the response to the request.
Thus, almost all military pensioners are an active mobilization resource on par with other citizens of Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada amended the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service" on July 16, 2025, to allow the signing of contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine for those who have reached the maximum age for service.
The commander of a military unit provides written consent for service to individuals over 60 years of age if the military medical commission confirms their fitness.
Health does not allow: How do military pensioners feel about serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine?
Journalists spoke with a military pensioner who shared how life is after completing service and how former military personnel are being conscripted. Not everyone who served previously can immediately benefit the army.
Some of them can participate in forced marches and withstand combat loads, while others have a range of chronic illnesses. Many undergo a military medical commission again, which may deem them unfit, the man explained.
According to him, conscription of men over 50 is not frequent. Unofficially, military commissars prioritize more resilient soldiers. Existing specialization is also important: signalmen, engineers, sappers, scouts, and communication specialists are valued much more than rear service workers.
"There is always a queue of candidates for such positions, while combat positions remain virtually unfilled," the interviewee noted.
The Pension Fund accounts for up to 145,000 military pensioners. They are neither serving nor working in military structures, but for some reason, they are not being called up by the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs). The General Staff did not provide information on what percentage of military pensioners were actually conscripted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022-2024.
Lawyer Ihor Chudovskyi believes that military pensioners should be the first to go to the TRCs since they are professional military personnel. They have spent their entire lives learning to defend the country and have been paid for it.
"The fact that some are now avoiding this duty is a moral, not a legal, issue," he concluded.
08 September 2025 г., 12:28
