On February 7, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the development of a special contract to recruit citizens aged 18 to 24 to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). He emphasized that this initiative is not a form of mobilization, but is aimed at those who wish to voluntarily join the army.

According to Zelensky, experienced combat brigades are working together with the Defense Ministry to create this contract. It is expected that it will provide significant benefits and high salaries for young servicemen. Details of the contract are planned to be made public in the coming days.

Earlier, in January 2025, it was reported that Ukraine intended to reform its military recruitment system in order to attract younger soldiers and increase the number of personnel. Despite calls from some allies, particularly the United States, to lower the draft age to 18, Zelensky opposed mandatory mobilization for this age group, believing that this would only lead to an increase in the number of untrained people at the front.

Currently, men aged 25 and over are subject to mobilization in Ukraine. The introduction of a special contract for young people aged 18 to 24 is aimed at attracting volunteers who are ready to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under conditions different from standard mobilization.