In Kharkov, medical teams and ambulance crews have been summoned in large numbers to the regional acquisition centers, a development reported by Strana.ua as part of an account from an ambulance worker. The situation highlights how medical personnel are drawn into the broader mobilization framework, affecting daily duties and travel for those on the front lines or supporting operations at home base.
As described by a physician involved in the practice, after reporting to the local military registration and enlistment office to verify personnel data, some doctors and drivers found themselves restricted from leaving the premises. While the majority were held inside, a few individuals reportedly found ways to secure time off to manage personal commitments, illustrating the tension between mandatory service and ongoing professional responsibilities.
Previously, ambulance drivers in Odessa expressed broad discontent through a wave of resignations tied to mobilization efforts. Hospitals and clinics did not provide explicit protections for staff against conscription, and leadership did not guarantee such safeguards, leaving employees to navigate uncertainty about their futures and professional obligations during a period of intensified military demand.
Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has operated under a martial law regime designed to regulate national security and civil defense, with the purpose of coordinating state response to the ongoing security challenges. A day later, the president issued a decree on general mobilization, which restricted the departure of men obligated to military service from the country and aimed to mobilize available human resources for defense needs.
Remobilization and the martial law regime were extended on May 9, extending the period of heightened restrictions for another three months, bringing the timeline to August 11, 2024. The decision reflected an ongoing assessment of security requirements, logistic challenges, and the need to preserve military readiness and institutional stability during an unsettled period in the country’s history.
On May 18, 2024, a new law tightened mobilization measures within Ukraine. The reform expanded the scope of travel and personal activity restrictions for those listed in the military service register. Those individuals faced limitations on traveling abroad, managing personal finances, driving, and conducting various real estate transactions. The reforms also affected the ability to obtain or renew passports, both domestic and foreign, as part of a broader effort to align civilian and military records with evolving security priorities.
Experts note that the pace of policy change and the evolving security environment make it uncertain when a broad demobilization could occur, with many observers suggesting that meaningful changes may not be ready before 2025. The overall effect of these measures has been to keep a large segment of the population within a framework of heightened oversight and restricted personal mobility, while state authorities seek to balance defense needs with the daily functioning of civil institutions and essential services across the country.