Refusal to pass the military service: the Ministry of Defense explained what consequences await those liable for military service

Passing a military medical commission (MMC) is a mandatory stage in determining fitness for military service. In conditions of martial law, unjustified refusal to undergo a medical examination can lead not only to administrative, but also to criminal liability.

This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Is it possible to refuse to undergo a MMC

The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the very fact of refusing to undergo a military medical commission is not provided for by law.

At the same time, a citizen has the right to appeal the actions of officials in court if he believes that the summons or referral to the MMC was issued in violation of the requirements of the law. However, even in such a case, the obligation to undergo a medical examination is not canceled.

What is the responsibility for failure to appear

If a conscript received a referral to the MMC — in paper form or through the “Reserve+” application — and did not arrive for a medical examination without good reason, this is considered a violation of the mobilization legislation.

Such a violation is subject to an administrative fine of 17,000 to 25,500 hryvnias.

In addition, information about the violator is entered into the “Oberig” register, after which he acquires the status of a person wanted by the CCC. This may be grounds for restricting the right to drive vehicles and detention by police officers.

When criminal liability arises

The Ministry of Defense noted that systematic evasion of passing the military medical commission and ignoring calls to territorial recruitment centers can be qualified as evasion of conscription for military service during mobilization.

In this case, a person may face a penalty of imprisonment for a term of three to five years.

What reasons are considered valid

At the same time, the law allows not to appear for the VLK at the specified time if there are valid reasons.

These include:

a disease that prevents movement and is confirmed by a medical report;
the death of a close relative;
a natural disaster;
shelling or other circumstances that objectively prevent arrival at the military medical commission.

In such cases, a citizen must provide documentary evidence of the reason for his absence.