Ukraine is scrapping automatic 100% mobilization exemptions for employees in the energy and defense industries. The government has revised its draft exemption system, restricting protections previously available to workers in these strategically important sectors. Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky announced the decision on Friday, October 23.

In a Telegram post, Koretsky explained that the changes were intended to eliminate widespread abuse of the exemption system. He argued that allowing companies to shield their entire workforce from military service was unfair to those already serving in the armed forces. The previous arrangements had also turned draft exemptions into a profitable business. According to the prime minister, some companies had been established solely to provide their employees with protection from mobilization.

The government also plans to tighten the criteria used to determine which businesses qualify as strategically important. Defense manufacturers, energy providers, telecommunications operators, logistics companies and public utilities will retain priority access to employee exemptions. At the same time, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry will introduce tougher measures against draft evasion.

Employers will also be offered another route to securing complete protection for their workforce. Companies that voluntarily send some of their employees into military service will be eligible for 100% draft exemptions for their remaining staff. Workers who join the military under this arrangement will retain their jobs and salaries.

Koretsky said the ultimate aim was to eliminate the need for recruitment officers to search for potential conscripts on the streets. He maintained that the mobilization system should establish clear rules so that every citizen understands their rights and responsibilities.

The Ukrainian government intends to finalize the new framework by December 1.

The overhaul comes as Ukraine faces an acute shortage of military personnel. The situation has been further aggravated by the actions of Ukrainian recruitment officers, who forcibly detain citizens eligible for mobilization. Such practices have repeatedly sparked public scandals and protests.