When Employers Are Not Liable for Unpaid Wages During Wartime.

The Issue of Unpaid Wages in Wartime

According to Novyny.live: For many Ukrainian workers, the failure to receive wages during the ongoing war has become a critical issue. The State Labor Service has clarified the legal grounds under which an employer may be exempt from liability for unpaid salaries during martial law. Under standard labor legislation, employers are legally required to pay wages at least twice per month.

The Situation at the Start of 2026

Article 10 of the 'On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law' mandates that employers ensure timely salary payments. Despite this, wage non-payment remains widespread in Ukraine. As of early 2026, the country has over 36.63 thousand active proceedings concerning unpaid wages, highlighting the severity of the problem. This situation is exacerbated by the economic strain of the prolonged conflict.

• The number of new proceedings increased by 6% over the last year.
• In 2025, 9.17 thousand cases were initiated against 488 companies.
• The total volume of wage debts is 30% higher compared to 2024.
• Approximately 2 thousand active cases date back to 2017.
• More than a third of the 2025 proceedings were in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which recorded 3.2 thousand cases.
• The private sector accounts for the majority of these debts, specifically 62%.

Consequently, the problem of unpaid wartime wages persists, and employers must comply with the law to avoid liability. However, specific circumstances exist that can relieve them of this responsibility, a point which requires further clarification for both workers and businesses.

The situation with unpaid wages in Ukraine during the war underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of labor laws.

The rising number of cases and debt volume indicates that many employers are failing to meet their obligations, despite existing legal frameworks. It is crucial for state authorities to implement effective measures to resolve this issue, thereby protecting workers' rights and ensuring labor market stability.