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Accept such statements only when they are verified by reputable sources -- the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, the Ukrainian government, the Joint Council on International Children's Services, etc. If you hear such statements from an agency or facilitator, be very wary until there is confirmation.
You are correct, as of October 4, 2011, the adoption authority has eliminated some of the age requirements for adoptive parents.
Thankfully, Ukraine has eliminated the upper age limit for adoptive parents. They have removed the 45 years or less age difference restriction. Going forward, parents of any older age can adopt. This is great for older parents as many international adoption programs either do not accept older parents, so for them, Ukraine is now a good option.
The US Embassy phrased the change as follows:
Age Requirements: Under a Ukrainian law which came into effect on October 4, 2011 prospective adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old, and at least 15 years older than the adopted child (the 45-year maximum age difference requirement has been eliminated). In case of adoption of an 18-year old child, the minimum age difference between the adopted child and the adopting parent must be at least 18 years. If only one of the adoptive parents complies with these age requirements, the adoption can be completed in the eligible parent's name only (classified as IR4 visa type). If the child is being adopted by a relative, the age difference is not considered.
This change was made at the same time the age of children made available for international adoption was raised to 5 years of age in October 2011.
There are 2 important exceptions: 1. If you adopt siblings and one of the siblings is 5 or older, other siblings can be younger than 5, or 2. If you adopt a child with a special need according to a list published earlier this year. (You can contact me if you would like this list.)
I think the major goal of the Ukrainian government and adoption authority is to encourage Ukrainians to adopt.
In the past children were available for international adoption after being registered with the adoption authority for 12 months. Now, this law is still enforced, but only Ukrainians may adopt individual children under 5 without special needs or older siblings.
I think by dismissing the maximum age difference the Ukrainian authorities hope to encourage international adoptions of special needs children, older children and sibling groups.
From my anecdotal experience, it seems to be working. More of the families I work with are not young enough to have met the previous age requirement now eliminated. I also see many more parents considering special needs children and siblings.
I hope this change helps your particular situation. Best wishes.