Contract 18-24 is about young people choosing between waiting and acting — under fire, under loss, under pressure. “Patriotism happens less often now. But I will continue to serve”, Pavlo says. 11Х
Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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Mykhailo, 24, trades ten instruments for FPV listening
Mykhailo, 24, left behind a life built around music — ten instruments, daily practice, quiet routines. “If you sit on your couch and wait for the war to end, nothing will change.” Today he listens for FPVs instead of rehearsals. 9/
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Pavlo, 25, moves from infantry to UAVs after injury
Pavlo, 25, joined at 21 and fought in assault infantry before moving to UAVs after an injury. “Every FPV, every mortar — you never know if it’s for you.” His commander told him: “Learn something else. You’ll be more useful alive.” 10/
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Ukrainian youth Denys signs up after shelling, prepared for months
Denys, 23, signed after a night of shelling. “Shaheds were flying. Then something stopped me. I thought I had to put an end to it. I joined the next day.” He had spent months preparing — medicine, shooting, first aid. 8/
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Young tractor driver joins marine brigade to work with drones
Max, 18, joined the 39th Coastal Marine Brigade straight out of civilian life. “My dad fought in Debaltseve in 2014. This war is about UAVs. I decided to work with drones.” Before the army, he drove tractors. 7/
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Low uptake of volunteer exemption due to fear and bureaucracy
After one year, volunteers can leave the country and receive a 12-month exemption from mobilization. Yet uptake remains low — only about 500 recruits since launch. Fear, bureaucracy, and family pressure slow the flow. 5/
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Zhenya, 19, joined after brother’s death in Bakhmut, lost fear
Zhenya, 19, joined after personal loss. “My brother died in Bakhmut in 2022. He left two daughters. I wanted to replace the guys who stay in positions for months. Before I came to the zero line, I had fear. After five months, I don’t have the same fear. I’m used to it now.” 6/
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Defense Minister proposes informed choice
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov describes the idea plainly: “This is not about compulsion. It is an opportunity to make a conscious choice, gain combat experience, and secure financial stability in one year.”
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Ukraine launches Contract 18-24 to avoid forced mobilization of youngest
Ukraine launched Contract 18-24 in February 2025 after the first volunteer wave faded. The state needed a sustainable way to refill the army — without forced mobilization of the youngest cohort. 2/
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24-year-old Ukrainian volunteers for army, explains his motivation
“If you sit on your couch and wait for the war to end, nothing will change.” That’s how 24-year-old Mykhailo explains why he volunteered for Ukraine’s army — even though men aged 18-24 are not required to serve — UNITED24. 1/