The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has completed its review of previously issued decisions on the critical importance of enterprises in the defence-industrial complex (DIC). Following the review, 86% of DIC companies retained their critical status, meaning they continue to be entitled to protect their liable workers from mobilization. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine citing the Ministry of Defence, with the data confirmed by Interfax and Korrespondent.

Review results: 86% vs 14%

The ministry reviewed the criticality decisions issued before 7 July 2026. As a result, the majority of enterprises confirmed their status and retained the ability to protect their workers. 14% of DIC companies did not confirm their criticality — these are the ones that have temporarily lost the corresponding status. At the same time, as the Ministry of Defence emphasizes, these enterprises are not deprived of the right to restore their status in the future.

Simplified procedure for the majority

For the overwhelming majority of companies, the review was carried out under a simplified procedure: there was no need to resubmit the full set of documents. This allowed the ministry to complete the check promptly without imposing a significant administrative burden on businesses. This approach became possible thanks to the updated rules approved by the Cabinet of Ministers earlier this spring.

What will happen to the 14% of enterprises

Companies that did not confirm their criticality can regain their status by submitting the full set of documents to the Ministry of Defence. In other words, the loss of status is not final but procedural: provided there are grounds and properly prepared paperwork, the enterprise undergoes the review again. This is an important nuance that distinguishes the current situation from complete removal from the registry.

Context: update of the protection rules

In the spring of 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers updated the rules for protecting workers, ordering a review of the criticality criteria for enterprises and raising the salary threshold for protected workers. These changes formed the basis for the current review. According to the Ministry of Finance, from 1 September, worker protection may be cancelled for enterprises without a confirmed critical status, making timely submission of documents especially important.

The significance of the status for business

The status of a critically important enterprise allows for the protection of part of its workers from mobilization, and for DIC enterprises — up to 100% of liable personnel. This is a key tool for preserving the workforce potential of the defence-industrial complex under martial law. Thus, the results of the review directly affect the resilience of production chains and the DIC's ability to fulfil tasks related to ensuring the country's defence.