General mobilization is underway in Ukraine, and martial law remains in effect. During this period, conscripted men aged 18 to 60 can be drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, unless they are eligible for a deferment. However, legislative changes that came into effect in 2024 have significantly narrowed the list of those who can avoid mobilization.
Who can be mobilized?
Mobilization is subject to:
Men aged 18 to 60 (from 18 years old - only those with military experience, the rest - from 25 years old).
Men who have lost the right to deferment due to changes in legislation.
Who lost the reprieve?
Students pursuing a second or third higher education. The deferral is now only granted to those who are studying full-time or dual and pursuing the next level of education (for example, from a bachelor's to a master's degree).
Parents of three or more children who have alimony debts. Previously, this category could receive a deferral, but now they can be mobilized.
Single parents, if the child's mother has not been deprived of parental rights, has not died, has not gone missing, and is not in prison.
Persons caring for their spouse's parents. The deferral is now only granted to those caring for their own parents with group 1 or 2 disabilities.
Half-siblings of deceased service members are no longer eligible for deferral. It is only available to full or half-siblings.
Employees of enterprises and organizations of the Ministry of Defense no longer have an automatic deferral.
What does this mean?
The new restrictions have made it much more difficult for men who are conscripted to serve in the military to obtain a deferment. This means that:
- students cannot “hide” in universities, constantly receiving second and third degrees;
- deferral is no longer a guarantee for certain categories of parents;
- Even caring for the disabled is no longer always a reason to avoid mobilization.
The legislative changes are aimed at expanding the mobilization resource, but at the same time they are causing significant public resonance. Observers believe that the number of mobilized citizens may increase significantly due to the reduction of categories that were previously entitled to a deferral.
