Historical development of Ukrainian legislation on military service from 1991 to 2025

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of Ukrainian legislation on military service from 1991 to 2025. The study is structured around three key stages of legal development: the post-Soviet period (1991–2013), reforms following Russian aggression (2014–2021), and modernization amid the full-scale invasion (2022–2025). The objective is to evaluate legal changes, their impact on Ukraine’s defense capabilities, and to identify prospects for improvement. Key legislative acts, including Laws of Ukraine No. 2232-XII (1992), No. 4553-VII (2016), No. 2523-VIII (2018), No. 5550 (2022), No. 3633-IX (2024), and Presidential Decrees No. 303/2014, No. 1153/2023, No. 733/2024, are analyzed. The methodology employs comparative legal, historical, and systemic analyses, drawing on normative-legal acts, reports of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, NATO standards (STANAG 6001, 2116, 2190, 2591), and academic works. The findings establish that post-2014 reforms significantly professionalized the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), increasing the share of contract personnel to 50% in 2018, implementing the «Oberig» digital registry (80% coverage in 2024), and engaging 1,000 foreign volunteers in 2022. International partners played a crucial role: NATO trained 15,000 personnel and ensured 90% interoperability with STANAG standards, while the European Union, through €2.5 billion in funding (2022) and the Association Agreement (Article 420), supported social protections for 80% of military personnel and enhanced mobilization transparency (reducing complaints by 15%). Key challenges include corruption (10% of complaints in 2014), societal resistance (15% dissatisfaction in 2023), and resource constraints (limited supply of uniforms and equipment). The study recommends strengthening anti-corruption measures, improving public communication, expanding logistical support, and achieving 100% digitization of military records. The results underscore the critical importance of legal reforms in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid contemporary security threats.