Ukraine plans phased demobilization for longest-serving troops by late 2026

Ukraine's longest-serving troops could begin returning to civilian life by late autumn 2026, defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov said. Soldiers who have been fighting since early 2022 may be eligible this year, with discharge decided by two criteria: total days in service and the number of combat days.

"If you've served since 2014, this will count," Fedorov said. Normal discharge rules were suspended under martial law after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, effectively obliging many fighters to remain on duty until the war ends or a full demobilization is declared.

Some who joined in the opening months have been on the front continuously, with limited time at home, and the lack of a clear discharge window has become a major political issue. A proposal to automatically discharge troops after three years was dropped in 2024.

Ukraine

ukraine, demobilization, troops, mykhailo fedorov, discharge, combat days, martial law, russia, 2022 invasion, 2014 service