Ukraine’s Mobilization and Deferment Policies
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has maintained a general mobilization. Under current law, all men aged 18 to 60 who are deemed medically fit may be called up for military service. Against this backdrop, the deferment process—allowing businesses to temporarily exempt key employees from conscription—has become a critical issue for employers.
Who Is Eligible for Deferment
Certain categories of individuals can qualify for deferment. These include personnel from law enforcement agencies such as:
- National Police
- Security Service of Ukraine (SBU)
- State Bureau of Investigation (DBR)
- National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)
- Prosecution authorities
- Intelligence agencies of Ukraine
- State Emergency Service (DSNS)
- State Criminal Enforcement Service
In addition, permanent staff members of state bodies’ patronage services whose jurisdiction covers the entire territory of Ukraine are entitled to deferment.
Workers at enterprises, institutions, and organizations classified as critical to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations, the economy, or the population’s daily needs may also receive deferment. The criteria for designating such critical enterprises are set at both the national level and by regional military administrations.
Furthermore, deferment is available to representatives of international organizations—including UN agencies, international judicial bodies, and other entities operating in Ukraine under ratified international treaties. Staff of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and other NGOs implementing humanitarian projects funded by international partners are also eligible.
The rules for deferring employees are established by the Ministry of Economics, based on lists of conscription-eligible personnel approved by the Ministry of Defense. The process is governed by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 76. Employers submit their deferment requests via the Diia portal or in paper and/or electronic format.
Deferring workers in vital sectors helps sustain Ukraine’s wartime economy. This mechanism preserves the workforce of companies that supply essential resources to the armed forces and keep the state running. In this way, the government aims to strike a balance between mobilization demands and economic stability—a top priority under wartime conditions.
In light of the ongoing changes to military service deferment, it's essential to stay informed about potential modifications in the draft exemption criteria that could impact many. Recently, the Ukrainian Parliament has been discussing a significant overhaul of these regulations, which might affect the deferment status of thousands. For more details on this crucial issue, read about the potential changes to draft exemptions here.