Ukrainian Clergy Granted Mobilization Deferrals: Over 5,700 Religious Workers Protected

Deferral Statistics for Religious Personnel

According to ХВИЛЯ: The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has released figures on mobilization deferrals for members of religious organizations. As of the publication date, 5,739 individuals have received protection from military call-up. This deferral process was enabled by a Cabinet of Ministers decision from December 2024. This policy reflects the state's effort to balance military needs with the preservation of spiritual and community support structures during wartime.

Among those granted deferrals:

• 4,421 individuals are clergy who hold leadership positions within their religious organizations;
• 1,318 individuals are employed clergy, officially working for religious communities under formal labor contracts.

As of early 2026, a total of 9,216 religious organizations in Ukraine are recognized as critically important. A second phase of the deferral process began in November 2025, with the list of critical organizations expanding from an initial 7,700 to 9,200.

Policy Framework for the Religious Sector

The criteria established for the religious sector include:

• no specific salary requirements;
• the use of specially defined lists;
• a phased implementation of the process.

These measures are designed to support religious organizations during the country's ongoing mobilization efforts.

The released data underscores the recognized societal role of religious institutions, particularly under mobilization conditions. Granting deferrals to clergy is seen as a way to bolster civilian morale and maintain spiritual guidance during a national crisis. The continuation of this process signals an official acknowledgment of religious structures' contribution to social stability and community support amid the conflict.