Release after contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: who has the right to deferment from mobilization
Military personnel who signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the full-scale war have the right to be released after the contract expires. However, not all of them can count on deferment from mobilization. Most former contract servicemen are subject to mobilization after release, which causes certain concerns among military personnel.
For example, in 2023, a citizen signed a three-year contract for service in the Armed Forces. In this case, if the serviceman is released after the expiration of the contract but has no grounds for deferment, he is subject to mobilization. As Vladislav Deriy notes,
“Unfortunately, not yet. If you are released from military service under a three-year contract and have no grounds for deferment — then you are subject to mobilization”.
Categories of military personnel and reservists
However, there are categories of military personnel and reservists who are not subject to conscription for military service during mobilization. This applies to those who were recruited for military service under a contract for a period of one year from among citizens aged 18 to 25. Vladislav Deriy also emphasizes that
“those who were recruited for military service under a contract for a period of one year during the period of martial law are not subject to conscription for military service during mobilization”.
Moreover, servicemen who are discharged from military service may receive a special deferment, which is valid for 12 months from the date of release. This can be an important factor for those planning to return to civilian life after serving in the Armed Forces.
This information is crucial for servicemen completing their service term as it determines their further possibilities and obligations. Understanding the rights and restrictions related to mobilization can help them better plan their return to civilian life and avoid unforeseen situations. Given the ongoing military actions in Ukraine, the issue of mobilization will remain relevant for many, requiring constant monitoring of changes in legislation and service conditions.