Mobilization starting in 2026: Who will lose their reservation due to new salary rules.

According to ТСН: Martial law and general mobilization are in effect in Ukraine. Men aged 25 to 60 are obliged to be drafted, except for those with a valid deferral or reservation. However, the rules will change starting January 1, 2026.

Important changes in the mobilization and reservation of Ukrainians are planned in the near future, which will require preparation for the new requirements.

Reinforcement of mobilization in Ukraine is possible

Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyy emphasized the need for reinforcement of mobilization and recruitment in response to the active actions of the Russian army. He noted that enhancing defense capabilities and military units must be a priority, as human resources are key to successful defense.

Syrskyy also pointed out that basic military training will last 51 days. New recruits will receive training in their specialty (14-40 days) and undergo an adaptation period, the duration of which is currently unspecified.

The Commander-in-Chief announced a modernization of training centers and improvement of training conditions so that soldiers receive quality skills before their deployment to the front.

Secretary of the Committee on National Security of the Verkhovna Rada Roman Kostenko noted that the current mobilization rate - about 30,000 persons per month - only covers half of the army's needs. He emphasized the importance of not only quantity but also the quality of training and motivation of new recruits.

Kostenko criticized the methods of drafting conscripts, stating that these approaches do not provide moral motivation. He called for clear rules for mobilization and the adoption of relevant decisions to strengthen the army.

The duration of training for mobilized individuals will be changed

In his statement, the Commander-in-Chief pointed out that new recruits will undergo not only basic training but also specialized training and an adaptation period within the units. Qualification enhancements for instructors, modernization of equipment, and improvement of training programs are planned.

Syrskyy also stressed the importance of the adaptation period, as during this time the highest number of cases of independent departure from the units is observed. He believes that a comprehensive adaptation program can reduce these cases.

Reserved individuals may be prohibited from leaving the country

Kostenko reported that the Verkhovna Rada plans to discuss draft law No. 14210, which provides for a ban on leaving the country for certain categories of reserved men. This concerns those who have received a 45-day reservation to eliminate violations of military registration.

In his opinion, this regulation will help prevent illegal attempts to leave and misuse of reservations. The date for discussing the draft law is currently unknown, but it could take place at one of the next plenary sessions of the parliament.

Who will lose their reservation in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, new rules for the reservation of conscripted personnel will come into force in Ukraine. Companies can only reserve their employees if their official salary meets the new requirements.

Currently, at least 20,000 Hryvnias must be paid, but starting in 2026, the threshold will increase to 21,600 Hryvnias per month. This is due to the increase in the minimum wage, which next year will be 8,647 Hryvnias. According to the formula (minimum wage × coefficient 2.5), companies must ensure payments of at least 21,617 Hryvnias.

Lawyer Marina Bekalo noted that these requirements apply to employees of critically important companies who can seek a reservation during mobilization and martial law.

If a company does not meet the required salary level, it loses the right to reservation, and its conscripted employees lose their deferral from mobilization.

The procedure for extending deferrals will be simplified, but not for everyone

The Ministry of Defense reported on the updated procedure for extending deferrals for guardians and individuals who care for relatives or people needing constant support. Now the mechanism for extending the deferral will be simpler and function automatically.

Guardians will only need to provide the registration number of the tax identification number (RNOCPP) of the person they care for. This will allow the registration systems to exchange data accurately and reduce bureaucracy.

The ministry emphasizes that these changes will ensure a stable and uninterrupted operation of the mechanism for automatic extension of deferrals and protect the rights of citizens who care for dependents.

Summons delivery will change

Now summons can be delivered not only at home or at work but also in educational institutions, at public events, in government institutions, at checkpoints, and at border crossing points. This makes the mobilization process more comprehensive and reduces the 'gray zones' where one could evade registration.

The regional recruiting and social support center in Kyiv has published a list of entities authorized, in addition to recruiting centers, to deliver summons:

• Representatives of structural divisions of regional and city state administrations (military administrations);

• Employees of executive bodies of rural, urban, and regional councils;

• Officials from companies, institutions, and organizations;

• Representatives of departments of intelligence services and the Security Service of Ukraine (only for reservists and conscripted individuals registered in these authorities).

Summons can be delivered to various addresses and under various circumstances:

• at home (officially registered);

• at the workplace or place of study;

• in public places and buildings;

• in crowded places;

• directly at the recruitment center;

• at checkpoints and at the border crossings.

Important changes in the reservation of conscripted individuals

The government of Ukraine has approved new rules for the reservation of conscripted individuals, aimed at accelerating the protection of personnel in critically important enterprises and the defense and industrial complex (DIC) during mobilization.

The most important change is the cancellation of the 72-hour verification period for lists of employees of companies that already have confirmed status as critically important. This allows for quicker decision-making.

Additionally, the government has introduced a privileged reservation for DIC employees for 45 calendar days, during which employees must eliminate violations of military registration to maintain their deferral.

The new rules come into effect on the day of the official publication of the decision, enabling critically important enterprises and the DIC to quickly transition to the updated reservation mechanism and protect their personnel during mobilization.