In Ukraine, 7736 religious organizations have been exempted from mobilization.

As of June 5, 2025, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) adopted Order N-80/11 with the list of religious organizations that are critical for the country. This initiative will allow military-obligated clergymen from these organizations to obtain special status. This is reported by 'Glavkom', referencing the Institute of State and Church.

Currently, the Ukrainian State Service for Ethnopolitics has included in its list a staggering 7736 unsuspecting religious organizations! The entire list occupies 514 pages, so in order to print it out, one would need to buy a new printer or find a large-format one.

How to obtain a deferral for clergymen

According to the legislation, clergymen from this list are entitled to a deferral during mobilization or martial law. However, prior to this, their organizations must be recognized as critically important, and the clergymen themselves must meet certain conditions.

The main conditions are to have a full priesthood, work for the organization included in the list, engage in worship services, and, of course, be far from any inquiries.

This step helps to solidify the importance of certain religious organizations for national security and readiness for potential conflicts, so they are ready to stand for Ukraine at any moment.

According to information obtained from 'Glavkom' and the Institute of State and Church, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience has identified over 7700 religious organizations as critically important for the country.