Ukraine is considering the possibility of introducing a new status for military servicemen and persons subject to military service, instead of the canceled status of "limited suitability". Within the next nine months from May, persons with limited physical fitness will be required to undergo a second military medical examination (MME) to determine their fitness for military service. Currently, the Ministry of Defense has not yet developed new classification criteria, so doctors do not have clear instructions on where to assign people with limited physical training.
This information was provided by the Health Service of the Ministry of Defense in response to a request from the Air Force of Ukraine. The law also provides that the Ministry of Defense has three months to resolve any issues related to the “limitedly eligible” status.
It is already known that instead of "limited fitness" new fitness statuses may be introduced, such as:
- unfit for military service due to removal from military registration;
- Not suitable for re-examination after 6-12 months;
- temporarily unwell and in need of treatment, leave or dismissal (this category has existed for some time);
- appropriate;
- Suitable for service in military support units, technical training centers and joint enterprises, higher military educational institutions and institutes.
The new rules can make life easier for servicemen with serious illnesses who are subject to mobilization. However, some human rights defenders have expressed concern about the lack of an intermediate status between fit and unfit for service. There is also the question of how the new rules will affect the personnel situation in the army.
On March 21, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the second reading bill No. 10313, which provides for an increase in the amount of assistance provided in the form of cash payments to breadwinners and other important points. The law also takes into account the mandatory re-examination of the Navy. This bill can help make life easier for many people who go through mandatory military service and help determine their fitness for service.
