Innovations in the law "On military duty and military service."
Amendments to Law No. 12076, "On military duty and military service," came into force on January 17. What do they entail?
- A medical examination is mandatory for practical sessions of basic general military training.
- During martial law, universities may reduce the duration of military training for citizens enrolled in the reserve officer training program by 50%.
- Citizens who turn 17 can register for conscription through an electronic account from January 1 to July 31. They must undergo electronic identification and update their data without a medical examination or visiting the territorial recruitment and social support centers.
- A list of valid reasons for missing the registration deadline has been defined, including illness, residence in temporarily occupied territories, or active combat zones.
- The deadline for servicemen's voluntary return to their units to continue service has been extended until March 1, 2025. Previously, NAKO experts emphasized the inevitability of punishment for the unauthorized abandonment of military units.
These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic procedures. Active digitalization and ensuring the protection of conscripts' rights are key steps toward improving the military registration system. Additionally, these innovations take into account the lessons and challenges faced during the full-scale war and are intended to enhance the efficiency of personnel management.
Recent changes in the procedure for reserving conscripts
The Cabinet of Ministers, by Resolution No. 11 dated January 10, 2025, introduced changes to the procedure for reserving conscripts during mobilization and martial law. In particular, Resolution No. 36, adopted on January 14, 2025, grants 100% reservation rights to the following categories of conscripts:
- Medical workers in state and municipal healthcare institutions, forensic medical and forensic psychiatric examination centers, and blood centers.
- Prosecutors of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.
This regulation aims to maintain a balance between national security and the support of essential enterprise functions. Additionally, it seeks to reduce the risk of abuses in the reservation process within enterprises.
Digitalization in the process of referral and Military Medical Commission examination
On January 10, 2025, the order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, "On approving amendments to the Regulation on military medical examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine," came into force. According to the new rules, starting March 1, 2025, referrals for military medical commission (MMC) examinations will be issued electronically by the decision of the heads of territorial recruitment and social support centers (TRC & SS) or recruitment centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Additionally, from that date, all documentation related to the MMC will be completed and stored exclusively in electronic format. The responsibility for overseeing the referral and medical examination process falls on the head of the respective TRC & SS.
As of January 28, 2025, corresponding changes have already been incorporated into the current procedure for conscription during mobilization in a special period through a separate Government Resolution No. 91 dated January 28, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Defense, electronic referrals for MMC examinations are now available and can be verified in the "Reserve+" application. These changes aim to enhance transparency, reduce corruption risks, centralize data storage, and protect military personnel’s data. The introduction of electronic referrals, digital registries, and online services simplifies the work of the MMC and ensures the protection of servicemen's rights, especially under martial law, when the system is under increased strain.
Monitoring the receipt and use of international material and technical assistance
On January 17, 2024, the Report of the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on monitoring the receipt and use of international material and technical assistance was officially registered. According to the report, the commission worked closely with government agencies responsible for logistics, accounting, monitoring, and using weapons and military equipment.
The commission issued official inquiries, held working meetings with representatives of these agencies, analyzed supporting documentation, and conducted visits to logistics warehouses and frontline positions. Additionally, cooperation was established with ambassadors, military attachés, government officials, parliamentarians, inspectors, and international delegations.
According to the commission’s findings, representatives of international organizations and partner countries did not identify any violations in using assistance. They positively assessed the organization of control over its receipt and application.
Approved mandatory requirements for contracts in cooperation with international partners for the development of defense products
On January 14, 2025, the Government Resolution "On amendments to the procedure for the development, implementation, and production of new types of defense products, as well as the discontinuation of existing products" came into force.
The resolution establishes the following mandatory requirements for state contracts with foreign companies:
- Definition of defense product requirements by technical specifications or agreed commercial proposals.
- Organization of training for representatives of the state customer, quality control of products, and testing of prototype samples.
- Distribution of intellectual property rights and the procedure for transferring scientific and technical products.
Additionally, foreign companies can only be involved if they possess the necessary documentation for transferring military technologies to Ukraine, exporting goods, services, and works and if their commercial proposals meet the requirements of the state customer.
These changes ensure that developments' tactical and technical characteristics align with state orders, facilitating industrial production and application in military operations without additional technology use permits.
The Ministry of Defense is now responsible for managing and maintaining fortifications.
On January 21, 2025, the Government adopted Resolution No. 60, outlining the procedure for transferring, maintaining, securing, and accounting for military engineering and fortification structures. According to this resolution, all such structures are transferred from regional and district state (military) administrations or their designated custodians to the management of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defense is now responsible for these structures' security, maintenance, and upkeep through the State Special Transport Service. Implementing this decision, including forming commissions and preparing transfer documents, is to be completed within two months.
Transferring authority to the Ministry of Defense will enable more efficient accounting of defense facilities, assess their technical condition and readiness, and prevent mismanagement of fortifications. This decision will improve military operation planning, resource optimization, and operational readiness. Additionally, centralized management will establish uniform evaluation standards and promptly resolve deficiencies.