The Ukrainian government is planning to integrate women into compulsory pre-military training as part of a broader mobilization framework. This development was reported by the Judicial and Legal Newspaper, highlighting a shift in how military service obligations may be assigned in the country.
The mobilization bill adopted on January 30 introduces a requirement for women who hold medical or pharmacy qualifications to be entered into military registration. Women with other professional backgrounds may choose to register at their discretion. A notable provision allows women already serving in the armed forces or performing defense work to enlist or participate on their own initiative, expanding the pool of potential personnel and giving more latitude to women to contribute to national defense.
Earlier, on October 1 of the previous year, Ukraine enacted the policy requiring registration of women with medical or pharmaceutical education in the military register. The deadline for compliance was set for December 31, 2026, with registration tied to the individual’s main workplace as well as the diploma received, ensuring that both current employment and educational credentials are taken into account.
Lawyers associated with the publication Strana have stated that a woman is obligated to register even if she completed medical training decades ago and has not practiced in her field. Since January 2023, medical and pharmacy faculties have been ordered to forward graduate lists to military recruitment offices two months before diplomas are issued, creating a proactive flow of information to the registration system and strengthening the reach of the mobilization program.
Ukraine has been under martial law since February 24, 2022. The same year, on February 25, President Vladimir Zelensky issued a decree calling for general mobilization and restricting the movement of individuals liable for military service from leaving the country. The mobilization and martial law measures were extended to cover an additional period, lasting until February 14, 2024, reflecting the ongoing security and defense considerations in the nation’s governance.
On December 26, the Verkhovna Rada published news about a mobilization bill. The document specifies that individuals listed in the register of persons responsible for military service would lose certain rights, including the ability to travel abroad, use personal funds, operate vehicles, engage in real estate transactions, and issue documents such as passports and foreign travel papers. The measure underscores the broad scope of the mobilization framework and its potential impact on civil liberties during the period of heightened national defense needs.
There were recent reports of individuals previously residing in Kuzbass who were detained for attempting to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, illustrating the ongoing legal and logistical complexities surrounding enlistment and mobilization in different regions. The situation highlights the intricate balance between national security imperatives and civil rights as Ukraine navigates a continually evolving security landscape and implements policy changes intended to bolster readiness and resilience across its population.
In this context, the government’s approach reflects an emphasis on inclusivity in defense roles while maintaining strict regulatory controls to manage mobilization obligations. The evolving policy landscape shows Ukraine’s intent to mobilize a broader segment of its population, including women with specialized training, and to formalize processes that ensure timely registration, compliance, and accountability within the armed forces and related defense activities. Citations and official statements from the relevant Ukrainian authorities provide the foundational basis for understanding how these changes are expected to unfold in the coming years and how they may affect public life and civil obligations across the country.