LEGAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE REGULATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE RECRUITMENT CENTERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article explores the current legal aspects of
the functioning of the Recruitment Centers of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine in the context of the ongoing
armed aggression by the Russian Federation. It
emphasizes the need to reform the recruitment system
to enhance the country’s defense capability and ensure
transparent, voluntary, and effective mechanisms for
staffing the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The authors
identify key challenges in legal regulation, including
the absence of a comprehensive approach to
digitalization, insufficient legal regulation of foreign
nationals’ participation, limited social guarantees,
and lack of legal protection for recruits. The paper
analyzes international experience in the functioning of recruitment models in France, Italy, Spain, the United
Kingdom, and the United States. Examples of NATO
legal standards—particularly STANAG 2116 and
STANAG 6001—are provided as potential frameworks
for implementation into Ukrainian legislation. The
article highlights the historical evolution of
recruitment as a phenomenon, from antiquity to the
present, and the transformation of the concept of
“recruitment” in the context of army
professionalization. The need for harmonization of
national legislation with NATO standards and
international humanitarian law is substantiated.
Particular attention is paid to the analysis of Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 564 of May 16, 2024, which defines the status and functions of the Armed Forces Recruitment Centers. The authors offer recommendations for improving the legal and regulatory framework, which will contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, increasing public trust in the military, and creating a professional military recruitment system.

Keywords: Armed Forces of Ukraine, contract service, legal regulation, mobilization, national security, NATO standards, recruitment, recruitment centers.