Mobilization from 1 October: who may be drafted, who faces a fine, and what will happen with reservations

Ukraine remains under martial law and general mobilization. In October 2026, no new changes to conscription rules are expected, but those liable for military service should consider current requirements regarding deferments, reservations, military registration, and return to service after AWOL, writes TSN. Who may be mobilized Summonses may be received by those liable for military service who do not have a valid deferment or reservation. This includes, in particular: men from 18 to 60 years old with prior military service or military education; men from 25 to 60 years old without prior service if they are not entitled to a deferment or reservation; citizens who were previously removed from the military register but were found fit after a repeat medical commission; men who previously had the status “limited fitness.” Men older than 60 years can voluntarily enlist under contract. Non-combat positions are provided for them. What about employee reservations In September the Ministry of Defense completed a review of the status of critically important defense-industrial enterprises. 86% of enterprises confirmed their status and retained the ability to reserve employees liable for military service. At the same time, working at a defense industry enterprise alone does not constitute a reservation. The enterprise must have critically important status, and the employee must be included on the corresponding list. A valid reservation protects an employee from being drafted during mobilization for the duration of the applicable deferment. What data needs updating Draftees, those liable for military service, and reservists must report changes to personal data within seven days. This concerns: marital status; health status; place of work and position; residential address; phone number; email. You can update information via “Reserves+”, the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC) and its services, or a CNAP. If you cannot make changes online, you must contact the TRSSC at your place of registration or residence. Ukrainians abroad can update data via “Reserves+”, the draftee’s or liable person’s electronic cabinet, or a diplomatic mission. What is the fine for violating military registration Violations of military registration rules carry a fine of 17 000 UAH. If you pay it within 20 days after the issuance of the ruling, a 50-percent discount applies — 8 500 UAH. If unpaid, the case is referred to the enforcement service and the fine is doubled to 34 000 UAH. This can lead to seizure of accounts and property. Teachers can arrange deferments online “Reserves+” now allows online deferment processing for teachers and other pedagogical staff of general secondary education institutions. The system automatically verifies information in AIKOM and the Pension Fund. Four conditions must be met simultaneously to issue a deferment: the school or other institution is listed in AIKOM as the primary place of employment; the teaching load is at least 0,75 of a full-time position; the position belongs to the pedagogical staff of a general secondary education institution; the institution’s EDRPOU code in AIKOM matches the primary place of employment code in the Pension Fund data. In other words, simply working at a school is not enough. A deferment may be denied if a person works part-time, has less than 0,75 of a full-time position, or if employment data in state systems do not match. To apply, go to “Reserves+” → “Services” → “Deferment request,” choose the appropriate category, verify the data, and confirm the request. Paper certificates do not need to be uploaded. Reservations in 2027 year: what may change From 1 January 2027, the salary criterion for reservations may increase for most critically important enterprises. If parliament approves the minimum wage of 9 546 UAH proposed in the Draft State Budget-2027, the three-minimum-wage threshold would be 28 638 UAH. This will apply to two indicators: the average salary at a critically important enterprise and the salary of the employee being reserved. In both cases it must not be lower than the established threshold. For enterprises located in areas of possible or active hostilities or temporarily occupied territories, the indicator is set at 2,5 minimum wages. With a minimum wage of 9 546 UAH this would be 23 865 UAH. Separate rules apply for Diia City residents. These amounts are not final: they depend on the final size of the minimum wage for 2027 and the reservation rules in force at that time. What changed for servicemembers after AWOL The simplified procedure for returning to service after unauthorized absence ended on 20 September 2026. Voluntary return to service is still possible but now under general conditions. The process goes through the Military Law Enforcement Service and reserve battalions. You can no longer choose a military unit independently. At the same time, commanders of reserve battalions may consider recommendation letters from combat brigades. To return, you must: Submit an application to the Military Law Enforcement Service administration or local zonal department. After the report is confirmed, arrive at the Military Law Enforcement Service unit within 24 hours. Receive an order and report to the designated reserve battalion for further distribution. A person who committed AWOL for the first time during martial law may, by court decision, be exempted from criminal liability if they voluntarily return. Do 25-year-olds need to go to the TRSSC? No. Men who have turned 25 years do not need to personally contact the TRSSC solely to change status from draftee to liable for military service. Within 30 days the TRSSC independently enters changes into the Unified State Register and updates military status. After reaching 25 years the citizen is also automatically assigned the initial military rank “soldier (sailor) of the reserve.” These rules are provided by the updated regulation on TRSSC, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 154. As FACTS reported, earlier Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, announced changes regarding conscription age. According to him, Ukraine may lower the upper mobilization age to 50−55 years.