The legislation of Ukraine clearly provides that citizens who have the status of disabled persons of any of the three groups are not subject to mobilization and have the right to deferment from service. The only exception is voluntary agreement to serve under a contract after passing a military medical commission (MMC).
Persons who received the status of disabled after February 24, 2022 must confirm it through the appropriate procedure. For this, there is a mandatory commission. Those who received documents earlier can use digital services, such as the "Rezerv+" application, to issue confirmations online.
Is it possible to serve in the army if there is a disability?
Service in the army for persons with disabilities is possible only on a voluntary basis. This involves passing the VLK, which assesses the state of health and fitness to perform tasks in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Despite announcements in the fall of 2024 about the possible cancellation of the deferment for persons with the 3rd group of disabilities, no such changes were adopted in the legislation.
What cases are exempted from mobilization without additional confirmation?
There are a number of situations when disability does not require additional verification:
- Change of disability group (decrease or increase).
- Suffering injuries or wounds during military service that resulted in disability.
- Absence of hands, feet or one of the paired organs.
- Diagnoses such as oncology, mental disorders, cerebral palsy, paralysis of limbs.
- Severe violations of intellectual or general development.
Such provisions mainly cover disabled persons of the 2nd and 3rd groups. Disabled persons of the 1st group are automatically exempted from mobilization due to the seriousness of their condition. As of the beginning of 2025, legislative norms clearly guarantee the right to postponement of service for persons with disabilities. However, to avoid misunderstandings, it is important to confirm the status in a timely manner, using both traditional methods and digital tools.
