The Cabinet of Ministers has expanded the list of businesses deemed critical to the Armed Forces: who will be eligible for deferment
This was announced by the press office of the Ministry of Economy.
The Cabinet of Ministers has expanded the criteria under which enterprises, institutions and organisations can obtain the status of being critical to meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The government has added a new category to the existing rules. This category includes companies that fulfil contracts with the commands of the branches or individual arms of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This refers to enterprises involved in the transport of military cargo, and the repair, maintenance and operation of weapons, military and specialised equipment, ammunition and their components. The new criteria also apply to companies that procure defence-related goods for the maintenance of such equipment.
Deputy Minister of Economy Vitaliy Kindrativ stated that the expansion of the criteria is intended to support enterprises providing logistics, repair and maintenance of defence equipment, and will also contribute to the stable operation of the defence sector.
Critically important enterprise status allows companies to exempt employees from mobilisation and ensure uninterrupted operations under martial law.
In 2026, critical enterprises operating in frontline areas may exempt up to 100% of their employees liable for military service. This rule applies in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 76, as amended, specifically No. 991 of August 2025, No. 1106 of September 2025 and No. 113 of January 2026.
The increased quota is processed through regional military administrations or another authorised body, and the procedure itself is carried out via the ‘Dія’ portal.
For most private enterprises, the maximum reservation limit remains at up to 50%. At the same time, a mandatory salary criterion applies: the average salary at the enterprise and the salary of the reserved employee must not be less than 21,617 UAH, i.e. 2.5 times the minimum wage in 2026.
Such reservations are valid for up to 12 months with the possibility of extension, and the enterprise’s criticality status is subject to regular review.
Previously, the European Business Association had approached the government with a proposal to amend the mechanism for reserving employees of critically important enterprises that are effectively operating in frontline regions.
