Mobilization, reserving, deferral – what changes have occurred in Ukraine since January 1st?
In Ukraine, general mobilization is ongoing, which means that conscripted citizens are receiving summonses. The military state of emergency and mobilization have been extended for another 3 months at the end of October — until February 7, 2025. Thus, conscription applies to conscripts who are men aged 25 to 60, who:
- have received a "fit" status during their military-medical commission;
- previously had a "limited fit" status (must undergo a repeat medical commission by February 4, 2025);
- possess a military accounting specialty that is in short supply.
The last few months have been filled with changes in the procedures for obtaining reservations and deferments from mobilization. Now, employees can only be reserved online through the "Diia" portal, and disability documents will be provided not by the Medical and Social Expert Commission starting January 1, 2025, but by a completely different structure.
"Telegraph" has gathered the main changes awaiting conscripts in the new year.
New Developments in Combatant Status
Automatic provision of combatant status (UBD) is being introduced: military personnel performing combat tasks will no longer need to submit paper documents. After being granted UBD status, the defender will be able to generate an e-certificate in "Diia", which can be presented starting January 2025.
Who May Be Mobilized by the New Year
A new version of the Procedure for Reserving Conscripts, approved by the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated January 27, 2023, No. 76, also known as Order No. 76, has come into effect.
This means that the updated rules for reserving employees have been in effect since December 1, 2024. In particular:
- the average salary of the company's employees must be at least 2.5 minimum wages, which amounts to 20,000 UAH per month;
- the salary of those reserved must meet the previous criterion;
- the enterprise must not have debts for paying the unified social tax.
Employee reservations are carried out exclusively through the Diia Portal and only in electronic form. Information about the enterprise/institution must be included in the Unified Register of State Authorities, other state bodies, local self-government bodies, enterprises, institutions, and organizations for reserving conscripts.
In simple terms, to reserve an employee through the "Diia" portal, the enterprise must obtain a status of critical importance.
The current critical status remains valid until February 28, 2025. Employees can be reserved upon confirmation of critical status starting from December 1.
Important! If the enterprise does not confirm its compliance with the new criteria, the reservation will be canceled as soon as the decision granting the critical status expires.
At the same time, the Cabinet extended reservations after the cyberattack on the Ministry of Justice's registers, thus it will be valid until January 20, in cases where the deadlines expired on December 20. If the reservation ended by December 19, i.e., before the cyberattack, employers will be able to restore it after the registers resume operation.
Another important change — there is now a possibility for automatic deferment through "Reserve +" upon request and its automatic cancellation based on data obtained through electronic information interaction, reported MP Alexey Goncharenko. According to him, now:
- no court decision will be required from close relatives of the missing. It is enough to provide either a notification or an extract from the order of the unit, or an extract from the Register.
- the ability to report changes in personal data is now available not only in person but also by entering information through Reserve+.
- suspects/accused who are not in custody are required to appear at the TCK for mobilization.
Who Will Receive a Deferment in the New Year
So far, the document has not come into force and is awaiting the president's signature. However, the Verkhovna Rada has passed the bill №12104, which aims to eliminate legal uncertainty regarding the grounds for granting deferments from military service during mobilization to those whose close relatives have died or gone missing.
The project №11531 has also been accepted (which is also currently awaiting signature). This bill provides for "ensuring equal rights and opportunities for military personnel alongside men entitled to deferment during mobilization regarding the right to resign from military service due to the death or disappearance of their half-brother or half-sister while participating in combat operations."
Will There Be Mandatory Training for Students?
Previously, there was information that citizens aged 18 to 25 would be required to undergo basic military training. Allegedly, starting January 1, training would apply to students aged 18 to 25.
However, it is now known that preparations for launching such a program are still underway. In particular, instructors are being trained. Basic military training for university students will begin at least from September 1, 2025. It is currently known that first-year students will not be affected.
People with Disabilities Need to Monitor Their Official Status
Alongside mobilization, Ukraine is rapidly undergoing a reform of the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC). These commissions issue conclusions on establishing disability groups in paper form. In Ukraine, people with first and second group disabilities and those caring for individuals with first and second group disabilities have the right to a deferment from mobilization.
Starting January 1, 2025, all MSEC will be liquidated and instead, individuals will need to visit a doctor; all documents will be in electronic form. Therefore, while this transition occurs, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the new system and be prepared for unexpected issues, errors, and the "human factor."
What Enterprises Should Do in January 2025
It is already worth mentioning the mandatory documents and actions related to military registration that need to be completed at the turn of 2024 and 2025, as noted by 7eminar.ua.
All legal entities must maintain personal military records of draftees, conscripts, and reservists working or studying in them.
Reporting to the TCK on military records is not required. Instead, it is necessary to conduct an annual reconciliation of personal military records with the TCK and SP in accordance with paragraph 46 of Order No. 1487.
Information from "Telegraph"
The United States has begun to publicly pressure Ukraine regarding lowering the mobilization age to 18 instead of 25, as is currently the case. The US is even willing to train and equip all future recruits. However, President Zelensky declined such assistance, arguing that "we should not compensate for the lack of equipment and training with the youth of soldiers."
The General Staff also denies the mobilization of 18-year-olds. However, they plan to encourage citizens of this age to actively enlist on a contract basis.
"We want to launch motivational annual contracts specifically in combat brigades for individuals aged 18 to 25. Such volunteers will receive an initial payment of half a million hryvnias. Additionally, they will receive various benefits – accessible loans, free education, and extended vacations," a source tells "Telegraph."
After a year of service, such volunteers will be called into the ranks of the military no earlier than at 25 years old, unless, of course, they wish to continue their service. According to "Telegraph," this issue and changes in legislation are currently being addressed by Deputy Minister of Defense Ivan Gavriiluk. However, the Ministry of Defense declined to disclose details of this initiative in response to a request from "Telegraph."
How much this initiative will replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces and, importantly, where additional funding will come from amid a catastrophic budget deficit, the General Staff has not commented on yet.
The parliamentary budget committee has confirmed to the publication that the Ministry of Defense plans to announce its proposals shortly.
Earlier, "Telegraph" reported that mobilization will continue in December. Who among the men will not be called to service.