Martial law and general mobilization are ongoing in Ukraine, which have been extended until August 6, 2025. Men aged 25 to 60 are eligible for conscription if they are deemed fit for military service and have no legal grounds for deferment.
A key stage before mobilization is passing a military medical commission (MMC), which determines the conscript's health status, including mental health. Psychiatric diagnoses are often the basis for restrictions or exemption from service.
Who is considered mentally unfit?
According to medical criteria, individuals with severe mental disorders are deemed unfit for service if they:
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have severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
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suffer from severe depressive episodes with suicidal attempts,
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have an obsessive-compulsive or anxiety disorder that is not amenable to treatment.
The symptoms must last for at least three months and be confirmed by doctors.
Who may be eligible with restrictions
If a person’s condition is not serious but requires monitoring or treatment, they may be deemed “fit with limitations.” Such individuals may be assigned to logistics or medical units.
In the case of mild disorders that are amenable to treatment, the conscript is given a deferment and is assigned to repeat the VLK.
Who is granted a deferment?
The right to an official deferment from mobilization is defined in Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization.” Such categories include:
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persons with disabilities,
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employees of reserved enterprises,
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persons caring for sick relatives or minor children,
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full-time students,
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scientists,
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relatives of those killed or missing during the war.
You can apply for a deferment through the CCC, the “Reserve+” application, or through regional military administrations. Each request is considered individually.
Strengthening control in the regions
Despite the law remaining unchanged, some regions are already seeing increased control. In particular, in the Poltava region, mobile checkpoints are being set up to detect servicemen who have left their units without permission.
Thus, the situation remains dynamic and the conditions of mobilization remain strict. However, the presence of serious medical reasons, including psychiatric ones, may be an argument for recognizing unfitness or temporary exemption from service.
