Briefly about what draft law No. 15231 of 05/13/2026: proposes reforming the defense system of Ukraine by introducing a multi-level model of military service . The document provides for the division of military service into basic with one-year training , as well as further stay in the active or operational reserves . Citizens enrolled in the active reserve must undergo annual two-week training , while maintaining their jobs and salaries. The main goal of the initiative is to create a predictable conscription mechanism , which will allow for the abandonment of chaotic mobilization and increase the level of trust in state institutions. In addition, the draft law establishes clear social guarantees for reservists . This approach is designed to ensure the country’s constant combat capability due to the availability of a qualified and trained mobilization resource.
Multi-level model: how will the new system work?
The main innovation of the bill is not only the introduction of a multi-level model of military service , which consists of three key stages:
- Basic military service
- Service in active reserve for future maintenance of combat readiness.
- Service in the operational reserve to attract mobilization resources in case of threat.
Stage 1. Basic military service consists of 12 months of training
According to Article 3 of the draft law 15231, the duration of basic military service will be 12 months . This is a period of intensive training, after which the citizen becomes part of the trained “pool” of defenders of the state. Then comes stage 2.
Stage 2. Active reserve: 5 years and annual fees
After completing basic service, citizens are automatically enrolled in the active reserve for a period of 5 years .
Features of service in the active reserve:
- Provides for regular training sessions.
- The duration of the meetings is 2 weeks once a year .
- The goal is to constantly update skills without breaking away from civilian life for the long term.
Stage 3. Operational reserve
Citizens in the operational reserve are called up for service only in the event of a real threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. In such cases, they arrive for duty upon special summons.
Social guarantees: will jobs and salaries be preserved during the meetings?
The draft law pays special attention to protecting your rights as employees during forced absence. The document clearly states:
- Employees called up for training within the active reserve retain their place of employment and position .
- The state guarantees the preservation of average earnings during the collection period.
- Corresponding changes are proposed to be made to Article 119 of the Labor Code of Ukraine .
Why is this important?
According to the authors of the bill, in the fifth year of a full-scale war, Ukraine needs consistency in the issue of mobilization and conscription, and accordingly, the adoption of this act should allow:
- Reduce dependence on chaotic, often not entirely legal or not legal at all mobilization.
- Ensure predictability of conscription for citizens, which should stimulate voluntary mobilization and trust in state institutions.
- Reduce corruption risks in the system of existing CCCs and JVs.
- To form a permanent, comprehensively prepared reserve of professionally trained personnel.
Financial aspect
Regarding the costs of implementing this initiative, according to the explanatory note, no additional budget expenditures are envisaged at the current stage. Funding is supposed to be carried out within the funds already allocated for the defense sector.
Status of the bill
As of mid-May 2026, project No. 15231 is at the stage of being considered in committees . The Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence (chairman O. M. Zavitnevych ) has been appointed as the lead committee. The document is also being studied by the committees on budget, anti-corruption policy and EU integration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long will basic military service last under the new law No. 15231 ? The duration of basic military service will be 12 months.
Can they be fired from their jobs during active reserve calls? No, the bill guarantees the preservation of their job, position, and average earnings.
How often will training sessions be held in the active reserve under Law No. 15231 ? Training sessions will last 2 weeks once a year.
When will the law enter into force – draft law No. 15231 of 05/13/2026? The law enters into force on the day following the day of its publication, after passing all stages of voting and signing.
Conclusion: Bill No. 15231 is an attempt to transform mobilization with constant violations into a healthy mobilization system based on a transparent and understandable mechanism. If the law is adopted, Ukrainians will receive a clear algorithm: 1 year of basic service, and then only short annual conscription with guaranteed job security.
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