Briefly about what draft law No. 15235 of 05/13/2026: is aimed at establishing clear legislative guarantees for the rest and rotation of military personnel . The key norm is the introduction of a mandatory ratio of time at the front to the recovery period in the proportion of one to three. The draft law strictly limits the possibilities of delaying units in the combat zone, allowing only minimal deviations from the schedule by decision of the General Staff. In addition, the document guarantees soldiers the right to unhindered receipt of vacations provided for by current legislation.
The Key Formula “1 to 3”: The New Standard of Recovery
The issue of restoring combat readiness and clear terms of stay on the front line is critical for the Ukrainian defense forces, which have been resisting full-scale aggression for the fifth year in a row. On May 13, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada registered the strategically important bill No. 15235 “On guaranteed cycles of service, recovery and rotation” , initiated by People’s Deputy Maksym Zaremsky.
This document aims not only to change the rotation schedules, but also to clearly establish rules with a link to specific dates. That is, to create legal guarantees for preserving the life and health of our defenders. Unlike the current situation when the legislation does not stipulate after how many days on the front line a rotation should be carried out, now everything is left to the commander’s discretion.
The main innovation of the bill is the establishment of a strict ratio of time at the front to time for recovery. The state plans to guarantee that the duration of service in the area of combat operations relative to being at the point of permanent deployment (PPD) will be 1 to 3 .
This means that for every month of active combat missions, a serviceman must receive three months to restore combat readiness in the rear. Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits exceeding this ratio , making rest a mandatory right, not a formality.
Exceptions and the role of the General Staff
The legislator has provided for flexibility in the system for critical situations at the front. In cases where timely withdrawal of a unit is technically impossible, the period of stay “at zero” may be extended. However, clear limits have been established:
- The decision is made exclusively by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
- The maximum extension of the term cannot exceed 15 percent of the established cycle.
Hassle-Free Vacations: No More Procrastination
A special emphasis in the document (Article 5) is placed on ensuring the right to rest. The state undertakes to provide all legally prescribed holidays without any exceptions, obstacles or delays . This should eradicate the practice of bureaucratic delays that often arise in conditions of martial law.
Changes to relevant legislation
Bill No. 15235 is not an isolated act. It provides for the introduction of relevant amendments to Article 24 of the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service” , which integrates new norms into the general system of military law.
To implement these changes, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is given a three-month period after the law enters into force to bring all bylaws into line with the new standards.
Why is this important?
The adoption of this act is a step towards a professional and humane model of military management. Enshrining rotation cycles at the level of law will allow:
- Maintain high combat readiness of units through systematic rest.
- Reduce the level of psychological burnout among personnel.
- Create clear expectations for military families regarding the timing of their loved ones’ return home.
This bill is a response to the request of society and the military for fairness and stability in matters of service during a protracted war.
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