Simplification of employment and reservation rules for critical defence companies

On 4 December 2025 the Law of Ukraine No. 4630-ІХ “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Organisation of Labour Relations Under Martial Law” (the “Law”) becomes effective. The Law provides for special simplified conditions for employment and reservation of employees of critical defence companies during martial law.

Under the Law, the following new rules will apply:

1. Simplification of reservation rules for critical defence companies

Companies with the defence sector deemed critical to supporting the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, as well as those essential to the functioning of the economy and the provision of vital services to the population during the legally defined special period of martial law (collectively referred to as “critical defence companies“) shall have the right to reserve employees who:

– lack military service registration;

– have missing or incorrect military service registration documents;

– have not updated their personal data in the relevant military recruitment centres; and

– are wanted for violating the rules of military registration, legislation on defence, mobilisation training and mobilisation (hereinafter collectively referred to as “military violations“).

The reservation period for such employees is limited to 45 calendar days from the date of employment, regardless of the number of employees already reserved by such a company. The employees can be reserved under these new special conditions only once per calendar year. If, during the reservation period, the employees remedy their Military Violations, they may be eligible for reservation under standard conditions.

Importantly, this temporary reservation does not exempt employees from liability for previous Military Violations.

2. Employment proceedings simplification

According to the Law, the probation period for employees liable for military service at critical defence companies may not exceed 45 calendar days.

In order to promptly engage new employees to perform work, as well as to eliminate staff shortages, said critical defence companies will have the right to employ persons liable for military service who have military violations for a period of 45 calendar days. This will not be considered a violation of military regulations by critical defence companies.

3. New ground of employment termination

Persons liable for military service (employed under this specific rule) may be dismissed at the initiative of critical defence companies if they fail to remedy their military violations and bring their military registration documents in line with legal requirements during the reservation period of 45 calendar days.

Within one month from the date of publication of this Law, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine shall bring its regulatory legal acts into compliance with the provisions of this Law.