The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has finalized large-scale changes to the current system of military conscription deferrals (reservations), completely abolishing unconditional 100% reservation for all business categories, including enterprises in the strategic defense-industrial complex and the energy sector. Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Koretskyi officially announced this on October 23, 2026, via his official Telegram channel, emphasizing the need to create transparent, fair, and clear conditions for both the rear and active military personnel.
New Criticality Criteria and Rejection of Unconditional Deferrals
Under the new rules, the critical status of enterprises will now be clearly separated from their current economic indicators. Relevant departments will update sectoral and regional criteria to identify and prevent potential abuses. Complete 100% exemption from mobilization is being abolished everywhere, as the previous format frequently provoked the creation of fictitious companies established solely to secure reservations for employees.
Exceptions for Strategic Enterprises and Rotation Mechanisms
Nevertheless, enterprises in the energy complex and the defense-industrial sector retain the opportunity to obtain necessary quotas. If a real production need arises, they will be able to submit an official and justified appeal to a special Coordination Center. In addition, the government is developing a unique mechanism for guaranteed reservation in exchange for regular voluntary recruitment of part of the staff into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for a fixed period with full preservation of salary and workplace.
Implementation Deadlines and Combating Service Evasion
The Head of Government specifically noted that unconditional reservation creates social injustice towards mobilized servicemen and turns the procedure into a shadow business. The Ministry of Defense, together with the Ministry of Economy, has been instructed to elaborate all detailed conditions for the final approval of a transparent mechanism by December 1. In parallel, the defense department is strengthening responsibility for evading service to establish uniform and equal requirements for all citizens.
