Briefly, what is the draft law No. 15234 of 05/13/2026 about: proposes to introduce a phased model of military service in Ukraine , aimed at establishing clear terms of service in the army during the war. The key innovation is a basic cycle lasting 24 months , which is applied to soldiers who have spent at least three months directly in the combat zone. The document separately provides that after completing two such cycles, a serviceman receives the legal right to demobilization or can continue service under a contract. The main goal of the initiative is to create a fair mechanism for personnel rotation and prevent a sudden weakening of the front.
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Main concept: Phased model instead of “one-off actions”
In the 5th year of the war, the issue of military service terms and fairness in personnel rotation remains particularly relevant, especially for those who have been on the front lines since the first days of the full-scale invasion. On May 13, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada registered a resonant bill No. 15234 “On a phased model of military service and guaranteed demobilization” . The author of the initiative was People’s Deputy Maksym Zaremsky.
In this article, we will examine what innovations the document offers, what the term “basic cycle” means, and what conditions are necessary to obtain the right to demobilization.
What is the “basic military service cycle”?
As stated by the authors of the bill, its main goal is to implement a systemic reform that will prevent the collapse of the front due to the simultaneous demobilization of a large number of people. The state seeks to create a transparent model where every serviceman will understand the clear terms of his service.
The draft law introduces a completely new concept for Ukrainian legislation – the base cycle .
According to the text of the document (Article 2):
- The duration of the basic cycle is 24 months , that is, exactly 2 years.
- A mandatory condition for dismissal according to the terms of service according to the basic cycle: a serviceman must, during these 24 months , take direct part in combat operations or defense measures directly in the areas where they are carried out (including temporarily occupied territories and the territory of the aggressor).
How many will have to serve?
The document clearly regulates the terms of service for mobilized personnel, namely, it limits the number of such cycles:
- The maximum number of basic cycles is two (unless otherwise provided for by a voluntary contract).
- After completing two basic cycles (a total of about 48 months, or 4 years, respectively), under certain conditions, a serviceman receives a guaranteed right to demobilization .
- There is also the right to continue service under the contract after the completion of the second cycle.
Why is this important for defense capability?
In the personal opinion of the authors of the bill, such a model would allow:
- Ensure fairness between those who have been at the front for a long time and new recruits.
- Effectively replenish personnel without losing the combat capability of units.
- Carry out systemic reform , not make temporary solutions.
What stage is the draft law at?
As of May 15, 2026, the draft law has already been submitted for review and sent for consideration to the relevant Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence.
Summary (interim): The draft law still has to go through the stage of amendments and voting, so there is no exact understanding of whether it will remain in its current form and whether it will be voted on at all. Generally speaking, when the law is adopted, the military will receive a clear guideline: 24 months of service (of which 3 months are “at zero”) constitute one cycle. After two such cycles, the right to return home will become legally guaranteed (i.e., it will work as a separate basis for dismissal).
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