Mobilization from November 1, 2026: who cannot be drafted and who has the right to a deferment

Martial law and general mobilization have been extended in Ukraine for another 90 days – until January 29, 2027. The Verkhovna Rada adopted a corresponding decision on October 26. At the same time, from November 1, new age restrictions for mobilization will not be introduced. The legislation continues to provide for categories of citizens who are not subject to conscription, as well as grounds for obtaining a deferment due to family circumstances, education, work or health.

Who will not be mobilized from November 1, 2026

Despite the continuation of mobilization, the legislation provides for a number of categories of citizens who are not subject to mandatory conscription.

In particular, these include:

1. Men under the age of 25.

As a general rule, men aged 18 to 24 are not called up during mobilization if they do not have the status of those liable for military service.

However, there are exceptions. In particular, this may apply to reserve officers and persons who have previously served in the military.

2. Men over the age of 60.

Citizens who have reached the age of 60 are not subject to compulsory conscription during mobilization.

However, the legislation provides for the possibility of voluntary military service under a contract under established conditions.

3. Women.

There is no mandatory mobilization of women in Ukraine.

Even if a woman is registered in the military, this does not mean that she is automatically drafted.

Women can enter military service voluntarily.

4. Servicemen released from Russian captivity.

Persons released from captivity and transferred to the reserve on the grounds provided for by law may return to military service at their own request.

5. Individual servicemen aged 18 to 25.

Men who have completed a one-year contract and have been discharged from service are not subject to re-call-up within 12 months after discharge, under the conditions specified by law.

6. Certain officials of state bodies.

The legislation provides for special guarantees for certain categories of officials, in particular people’s deputies, judges and certain heads of state bodies.

At the same time, it is necessary to distinguish between the grounds for non-call-up and postponement of mobilization.

Who is entitled to a postponement of mobilization

The main grounds for obtaining a postponement are determined by Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Training and Mobilization”.

A postponement means a temporary exemption from conscription for military service upon mobilization for the period of validity of the relevant legal basis.

Citizens may be entitled to it due to family circumstances, health status, education or professional activity.

Deferral due to family circumstances

Categories of citizens specified by law may apply for a deferral, including:

parents who support three or more children under the age of 18, subject to compliance with the conditions established by law;
men who independently raise minor children;
parents of children with disabilities;
parents of children with certain serious illnesses;
persons who provide constant care for relatives on the grounds provided for by law;
other categories of citizens specified in Article 23 of the law.

It is important that the mere fact of having children or relatives in need of assistance does not always automatically grant the right to a deferral.

It is necessary to meet specific legislative requirements and have documents confirming the appropriate grounds.

Will students be mobilized in November

The legislation provides for the right to a deferral for certain categories of students.

In particular, this may apply to students of vocational, pre-university and higher education institutions, provided that they comply with the requirements of the law.

Separate rules are provided for postgraduate students, doctoral students and interns.

At the same time, not every fact of study automatically guarantees a deferral.

When determining the right to it, the form of study, educational level and other conditions stipulated by law are taken into account.

Therefore, citizens who study need to check the compliance of their situation with the current requirements.

Which teachers and lecturers can receive a deferral

Separate guarantees are provided for employees in the educational and scientific sphere.

The following categories defined by law may have the right to a deferral:

pedagogical employees;

scientific employees;
scientific and pedagogical employees.

In this case, the position, main place of work and other requirements of the law are taken into account.

For certain categories of employees in education and science, employment at a rate of not less than 0.75 is a mandatory condition.

Therefore, the right to a deferral depends not only on the fact of employment in an educational institution, but also on compliance with the established criteria.

With what diseases will not be mobilized in 2026

The issue of a citizen’s fitness for military service is decided by the military medical commission (MMC).

During the medical examination, the commission is guided by the Regulations on military medical examination, approved by order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine No. 402, and the Schedule of Diseases.

Based on the results of the examination, a person may be recognized:

fit for military service;
fit for service in support units and in other specified positions;
temporarily unfit;
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