Upcoming Changes for Ukraine's Military Personnel
New regulations concerning deferments, reservations, payments, leave, and the extension of martial law for military personnel and those liable for service in Ukraine will take effect in February 2026. These changes are based on a decree adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on December 8, 2025 (Decree No. 1608). This update reflects the ongoing adaptation of Ukraine's legal framework to the demands of a prolonged conflict.
Starting in February 2026, the procedure for reserving employees of critically important enterprises from mobilization will be altered. The aim is to ensure necessary stability within strategic economic sectors. Furthermore, employees of energy companies involved in emergency recovery work will receive additional allowances of 20,000 hryvnias. These measures are designed to support workers performing vital functions during this difficult period.
Deferments and Additional Leave
From February 1, 2026, 25-year-old students will continue their studies with a deferment originally granted on January 15, 2026. Concurrently, the Verkhovna Rada did not support a draft law to cancel mobilization deferments for students over the age of 25, highlighting the continued importance of supporting youth during mobilization.
From February 3, 2026, military personnel released from captivity will gain the right to additional leave. Specifically, they will be granted an additional 90-day leave with monetary support retained. This step is aimed at supporting service members who have returned from captivity and helping them reintegrate into normal life.
Additionally, from February 3, 2026, martial law in Ukraine will be extended. This decision was initially made on January 14, 2025, when deputies of the Verkhovna Rada voted to extend martial law for 90 days. Thus, the new rules and measures coming into force in February 2026 are intended to provide additional guarantees and support for military personnel, those liable for service, and their families under challenging conditions.
To obtain a deferment, service members can submit a request via the Reserve+ application. The system will automatically verify data in state registries. If the grounds are confirmed, the deferment is granted automatically, and information about it appears in the electronic military registration document.
The implementation of these new rules and measures demonstrates the government's focus on ensuring stability in critical economic sectors and supporting military personnel and their families. These changes may represent a significant step in reducing social tension and boosting morale among service members and workers in key fields. The extension of martial law further underscores the protracted nature of the current military situation in Ukraine, which necessitates continuous adaptation of legal norms and support mechanisms.