--- title: "Constitutional Court of Ukraine denies mobilization for life-sentenced prisoners" description: "The Constitutional Court of Ukraine has upheld the ban on mobilizing life-sentenced prisoners and multiple murderers into the army." date: 2026-10-28T22:45:08.160Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/constitutional-court-denies-mobilization-life-sentenced tags: [ukraine, mobilization, constitutional-court, law, martial-law] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Constitutional Court of Ukraine denies mobilization for life-sentenced prisoners ![Ukrainian soldier in camouflage holding heavy ammunition against military equipment background](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/28/konstitutsionnyy-sud-ukrainy-otkazal-v-mobilizatsii-pozhiznenno-osuzhdennym/konstitutsionnyy-sud-ukrainy-otkazal-v-mobilizatsii-pozhiznenno-osuzhdennym-1.webp) ## Key Points - The CCU recognized the ban on mobilizing life-sentenced prisoners as constitutional - The ban also applies to persons convicted of killing two or more people - The court pointed out risks to discipline and safety when admitting such citizens to the army - Martial law and mobilization in Ukraine have been extended until the end of January 2027 The Constitutional Court of Ukraine has officially recognized as constitutional the provisions of the Criminal Code that exclude parole for military service of persons sentenced to life imprisonment, as well as those convicted of the premeditated murder of two or more people. The relevant decision was made by the Second Senate of the CCU chaired by judge-rapporteur Viktor Horodovenko following the review of a constitutional complaint. ### Legal grounds and court position During the review of the case, the Second Senate analyzed the provisions of Article 81-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court concluded that providing a person serving a life sentence with a realistic prospect of release does not mean mandatory access to absolutely all existing mechanisms, but rather implies a general legal possibility to review the imposed punishment. The text of the decision emphasizes that the mechanism of release for contract service, which operates during martial law, is of a temporary nature. It differs significantly from traditional parole because it is tied to strict criteria of age, health, and psychological state, rather than the correction process of the convict. ### Assessment of risks for military service According to representatives of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, military service is directly related to the possession and use of lethal weapons and complex military equipment. Involving citizens convicted of grave violent crimes in the ranks of the Armed Forces creates additional threats and risks to military discipline, subordination, as well as the safety of other servicemen and civilians. The court ruled that the existing ban does not violate the rights of prisoners and does not deprive them of other legal ways to change their legal status. At the same time, the mobilization mechanism in the country continues to operate in accordance with extended presidential decrees against the background of ongoing martial law. ### Context of mobilization and martial law The adopted court decision was published against the background of ongoing large-scale mobilization measures in Ukraine. Earlier, the head of state signed official decrees extending martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, which will remain in effect at least until the end of January 2027. In parallel with this, state digital services continue to adapt to the current needs of citizens. In particular, the specialized application "Reserves+" recently resumed the processing of official deferrals from conscription for all categories of liable military personnel provided for by law. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Конституционный Суд принял решение о мобилизации осужденных к пожизненному](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/konstitutsiyniy-sud-uhvaliv-rishennya-mobilizatsiyu-1793218003.html) - RБК-Украина original report confirms the CCU decision on life-sentenced prisoners' release. - [Конституционный Суд принял решение о мобилизации осужденных к пожизненному заключению](https://ua.news/ru/ukraine/konstitutsiinii-sud-ukhvaliv-rishennia-shchodo-mobilizatsiyi-zasudzhenikh-do-dovichnogo-uviaznennia) - UA.news confirms details of the Second Senate's review under Viktor Horodovenko. - [Смогут ли осужденные на пожизненное заключение попасть в армию: Конституционный Суд ...](https://tsn.ua/ru/ukrayina/smogut-li-osuzhdennye-na-pozhiznennoe-zaklyuchenie-popast-v-armiyu-konstitutsionnyy-sud-obnarodoval-vazhnoe-reshenie-3202315.html) - TSN confirms the decision number and the court's stance on military discipline risks. - [КСУ принял решение относительно условно-досрочного увольнения пожизненно осужденных для ...](https://ru.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1227633.html) - Interfax-Ukraine confirms the ruling date of October 28. ## FAQ ### Why were life-sentenced prisoners denied mobilization? The court cited the fact that military service involves weapons, and involving individuals convicted of grave violent crimes creates risks for discipline and safety. ### Who filed the complaint with the Constitutional Court? The constitutional complaint in this case was reviewed by the Second Senate of the CCU, with Viktor Horodovenko acting as judge-rapporteur. ### Until what date has mobilization been extended in Ukraine? The President signed decrees extending martial law and mobilization, which remain in effect at least until January 29, 2027.