Updated rules for exempting employees of defense industry complex (DIC) and fuel and energy complex (FEC) enterprises are coming into force in Ukraine. This was stated by Minister of Economy and Environment Oleksandr Kravchenko during the national telethon, reporting that some enterprises may lose their criticality status and, with it, the right to reserve liable-for-military-service employees. According to him, the base exemption quota has been reduced from the previous 100% to 95%, while critical enterprises are granted an additional 31 days to adjust the lists of reserved workers.
Who Will Keep the Exemption and Who Will Lose It
Kravchenko emphasized that the reduction of the quota should not affect specialists without whom it is impossible to fulfill defense orders and maintain the operation of enterprises. "We are primarily talking about technological and engineering personnel," the minister explained. The exemption remains with key employees directly involved in production processes. This means that ordinary workers not directly related to the technological cycle may be removed from the list of reserved personnel.
10–15% of Enterprises Will Not Meet New Criteria
According to the minister's estimate, 10 to 15% of enterprises will no longer meet the new, stricter criticality rules. This means that a significant portion of organizations that previously enjoyed full exemptions will lose this status. Kravchenko did not specify which particular industries or specific enterprises will be in the risk zone, but indicated that the transition to the updated system is accompanied by a prepared draft act providing for the introduction of a transition period to ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical facilities.
Automatic Extension of Status Until February 2027
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that the criticality status of enterprises expiring in November–December 2026 will be automatically extended until February 1, 2027. This measure is designed to avoid an administrative vacuum at the moment of transition to the new reservation system. Thus, enterprises whose criticality documents expire in the coming weeks will not lose protection against the mobilization of their employees until the beginning of 2027.
Context: Grounds for Postponement of Mobilization
Against the backdrop of changes to the exemption rules, a list of grounds for obtaining a postponement of mobilization is in effect in Ukraine. Among them are family circumstances, health conditions, education, scientific activities, and, directly, reservation at an enterprise. The reduction of the quota from 100% to 95% effectively narrows the circle of persons granted a postponement on the latter ground, making it relevant how enterprises will form updated lists of reserved personnel during the 31-day transition period.
