The number of Ukrainians who have received exemptions or deferments from military mobilization now exceeds the number of personnel serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky said in an interview with the BBC.

According to Koretsky, the combined number of people with draft deferments, those protected from conscription through employment exemptions, and those evading military service is significantly higher than the number of active-duty troops.

He noted that tens of thousands of new deferments have been granted every month over the past six months. If this trend continues, Koretsky warned, virtually everyone could eventually become exempt from mobilization.

The prime minister also acknowledged widespread abuse of the exemption system. He said the government would have to tighten eligibility requirements for draft deferments, placing the country’s defense needs ahead of other considerations.

Ukrainian authorities are already preparing to reduce the number of citizens protected from conscription. According to members of the Verkhovna Rada, the government plans to cut the share of exempt employees in the defense industry and energy sector from 100% to 85%.

Similar restrictions are being considered for essential municipal services. The proportion of workers eligible for exemptions in heating, water supply and waste collection is expected to fall from 75% to 60%.

Under the current rules, employees of enterprises designated as critically important can qualify for protection from mobilization. Certain utility workers, performers and entertainment industry professionals are also eligible for draft exemptions.

Members of religious organizations included on a special government-approved list can likewise receive deferments from military service.