Demobilization rules for 2025: Who will be able to leave the Armed Forces of Ukraine starting February 1st.

The law provides grounds for dismissal from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). It is possible to leave service even during wartime; however, this option is not available to everyone. The demobilization rules in Ukraine were examined on January 27 by UNIAN.

Voluntary Demobilization

Only those serving under contract and who are citizens of other countries can leave service voluntarily. The rules for Ukrainians regarding demobilization are different.

Demobilization in Ukraine: Conscripts

Conscripts can be dismissed in three cases:

• after the end of martial law;
• during the demobilization period based on the length of service;
• when there are legal grounds.

Additionally, conscripts have the right to voluntarily mobilize.

Demobilization in Ukraine: Volunteers

Military personnel who voluntarily signed a contract with the AFU are not required to serve longer than specified in the contract. However, under martial law, this term is automatically extended until peace or demobilization is achieved.

These servicemen can also be dismissed on legal grounds. However, it is important to note that having close relatives with disabilities or having three or more children does not provide the right to demobilization in this case.

Demobilization in Ukraine: Mobilized Individuals

Those who were forcibly mobilized into the AFU after February 24, 2022, will serve until martial law is lifted. Nevertheless, it is possible to be dismissed earlier—on legal grounds.

Such grounds may include specific health conditions. The Military Medical Commission (VVK) can declare a serviceman unfit for duty and remove them from military records or refer them for a re-examination in six months to a year. In certain cases, men are dismissed, but there are instances where they are sent for treatment with a review of the decision at a later date. This means a person can be treated and later deemed fit for service.

Legal grounds also include some family circumstances, specifically:

• raising a minor child with a disability or a documented serious illness;
• caring for a wife, minor child, or parents (either one's own or those of the wife);
• having a disability status of Group I or II for the wife or parents;
• regular caregiving as a guardian for an incapacitated person with a disability of Group I or II;
• providing constant care for a person with a disability of Group II or for someone who, according to a medical expert commission, requires care (and no one else can provide it);
• if the wife also serves in the AFU and the couple has a minor child or several children;
• if raising a minor child alone or supporting three or more minor children;
• the death or disappearance of a wife, child, parent, grandparent, brother, or sister in the war.

Demobilization of Women

Ukrainian women serving in the AFU under contract can be dismissed due to:

• pregnancy;
• caring for a child under 3 years old or a child who, by a medical commission's decision, requires constant care (an application can be submitted before the child turns 6).

It should be noted that Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, mentioned that over a million Ukrainians did not undergo a repeat VVK within the specified timeframe. It has been revealed how long deputies plan to extend the deadlines for medical examinations.

Even under martial law, there are legal grounds for not appearing at the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCK) upon receiving a summons. In some cases, one can skip the military enlistment office without incurring a fine.