NV’s Comprehensive Guide to obtaining a military draft deferral in Ukraine
Every Ukrainian man aged 18 to 60 is subject to military mobilization since Russia began its full-scale invasion. There are, however, conditions where Ukrainian men can receive deferrals from wartime conscirption. NV explores the process in detail.
Deferral conditions are outlined in Article 23 of the Ukrainain Mobilization Law. To get a deferral, an eligible individual must verify at least one of these conditions at the local recruitment center (LRC).
Who can get a referral?
Several groups of Ukrainians are eligible to apply for deferrals from mobilization:
- Those that are disabled or otherwide unfit for military service.
- Those with three or more children under 18.
- Single parents of at least one child under 18.
- Caregivers of children or adults with a disability.
- Caregivers of orphans under 18.
- Members of the Ukrainian parliament and Crimea’s Supreme Council.
- Full-time post-secondary students.
- Scientists and practicing university professors who have proper academic credentials.
- Individuals listed by state bodies, local government, and other approved businesses and organizations.
- Those whose close relatives were killed or went missing in the defense of Ukraine.
- Other groups, such as elite athletes and artists, as approved by the Council of Ministers.
How to obtain a legal deferral in Ukraine
Every eligible individual has the right to a deferral if they meet at least one condition mentioned in Article 23 of the Law. This applies regardless of whether or not the person has visited the recruitment center. The deferral, however, must be confirmed at the LRC after receiving a draft notice.
To do this, the conscript must visit the LRC at the specified time and provide documents proving their right to deferment. For example, information about their family status, health condition, employment, or reservation at the workplace.
If a person with the right to deferment visits the recruitment center for the first time, they must take the following steps:
- Check Article 23 of the Ukrainain Mobilization Law to understand the grounds for deferral eligibility.
- Gather the necessary documents that confirm eligibility for deferral. The specific list of documents for each case is not indicated and should be clarified at the LRC or with a lawyer. Be aware, however, that the LRC might provide an incomplete list.
- Prepare several notarized copies of the documents confirming the right to deferral.
- Appear at the LRC as summoned, provide necessary personal information, apply for a deferral, and submit the packet of confirming documents. It’s advisable to carry original documents, but only notarized copies should be submitted to the LRC. Originals should be kept as the LRC may call even those with deferrals for data verification. In the application, include the passport details of the applicant, a request for deferral as per Article 23 of the Mobilization Law, and add the date and signature.
- The application is registered in the LRC’s incoming correspondence log.
- The LRC commission reviews the application and decides on granting the deferral.
The individual is then summoned to the LRC to receive an excerpt from the minutes book, which includes:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Grounds for deferral
- Number and date of the deferral protocol
- Names and signatures of the commission members
Ultimately, the eligible individual is issued a certificate of deferral with a stamp in their military ID or temporary conscription certificate. This document verifies the deferral and must be presented upon request.
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