Ukraine's 2026 Military Draft: Fines for Non-Appearance and New Reservation Rules Explained

How Ukraine's Military Recruitment Centers Will Operate in 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: In 2026, Ukraine's Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs) will continue issuing summons for citizens to report for military registration. There is no legal limit on the number of summons a person can receive, meaning they can be sent repeatedly until the individual complies. Each failure to appear is treated as a separate offense. The military registration system is integrated with state databases, allowing TRCs to automatically identify those who avoid service. Notably, fines can be issued in absentia; authorities only need proof that a summons was received or that the recipient refused it.

New Penalty and Reservation Policies

Starting January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Defense will introduce a discounted fine payment mechanism via the 'Reserve+' app. If a citizen voluntarily admits a violation through the 'Fines Online' section, they can pay 50% of the penalty, which is 8,500 hryvnias. This reduced fine must be paid within 20 days. If missed, the full fine of 17,000 hryvnias applies, and after another 20 days of non-payment, it doubles to 34,000 hryvnias. Accumulating unpaid fines will also lead to the blocking of bank accounts.

Furthermore, from the start of the year, the financial threshold for businesses seeking to reserve employees from mobilization has been raised. Companies must now ensure a reserved employee's salary is no less than 2.5 times the minimum wage. According to the new legislation effective January 1, 2026, this equates to a minimum average monthly salary of 21,617.5 hryvnias. This requirement must be maintained for the entire reservation period. These changes are part of broader efforts to balance military needs with economic stability during the ongoing conflict.

“Summons are issued to ensure citizens fulfill their duty to the state. For each individual failure to appear, a separate fine may be imposed,” stated the Kyiv Regional TRC and SP.

The legislative updates concerning military registration and fines underscore the heightened importance of compliance with military obligations. The introduction of a discounted fine system and increased salary requirements for corporate reservations reflects the state's aim to enforce greater accountability among citizens and businesses. This may also impact the country's economic landscape, as companies adapt to new financial demands, potentially leading to changes in hiring and compensation policies.