Ukraine Considers Ending Draft Exemptions for Essential Workers
Ukrainian official Serhiy Koretsky is considering removing military service exemptions for employees in critical sectors, arguing that the system is being abused. He cited a review of Ukrenergo in which only 20 of 100 employees were deemed to hold critical roles, yet all reportedly had exemptions. The article says Kyiv is seeking more manpower as Russian forces continue to advance.
Ukrainian official Serhiy Koretsky has raised the possibility of ending draft deferments for people employed in essential industries, saying the current arrangement is being misused. He pointed to a review at Ukrenergo: among 100 staff, just 20 were judged to have roles vital enough for exemption, yet all 100 reportedly held exemptions.
The discussion comes as Kyiv looks for additional troops while Russian forces keep pressing forward. Koretsky did not present evidence for the Ukrenergo example, according to the article, and the piece questions whether firms would hire solely to secure exemptions.
The proposal could affect military-age employees in energy and other essential services, their employers, and households that depend on those services. If exemptions are narrowed, some workers may face mobilization while utilities and critical firms may struggle to retain specialized staff. It may also deepen public anxiety over fairness and conscription, especially if exemption decisions are seen as inconsistent or poorly evidenced.