On October 23, 2026, the Ukrainian government announced significant changes to the mobilization exemption rules for military personnel. Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky stated that the automatic 100% exemption will no longer be available for all enterprises.
Main Changes in the Exemption System
According to the new rules, the criticality of enterprises will be separated from their economic indicators. This means that enterprises engaged in defense industry, energy, communications, logistics, and housing and communal services will not experience changes in their working conditions. However, for other sectors, the maximum exemption level will no longer be 100%.
- The criticality of the enterprise will be separated from economic indicators.
- The maximum exemption level will no longer be automatically 100%.
- The Ministry of Defense will strengthen responsibility for evasion from service.
- A mechanism for 100% exemption in exchange for mobilization obligations is being prepared.
Mechanism for 100% Exemption Based on Mobilization Obligations
The government is developing a new mechanism under which enterprises can obtain full exemption for employees if they regularly send part of their staff for military service. According to the Prime Minister, this will allow preserving jobs and salaries for those who serve.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of individuals knowing where they are going and for how long, as well as that their jobs will be preserved. The conditions of this mechanism will be developed jointly with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy, as well as with business representatives. The government plans to approve this mechanism by December 1, 2026.
Strengthening Responsibility for Evasion from Service
Additionally, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will strengthen responsibility for evasion from service. The Prime Minister stressed that the rules must be the same for everyone, and that the new changes aim to ensure fairness in the exemption system.