Zelenskyy signs law allowing defense industry to book wanted men

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy late last week signed a law that allows defense industry enterprises designated as critical to hire conscripts who are wanted (unless they are already under investigation under Articles 336 or 337 of the Criminal Code). This is reported on website of the Parliament.

The law, adopted in early October, also applies to men who do not have military registration documents or who are not registered for military service and who have not updated their personal data.

The period of such special reservation may not exceed 45 calendar days from the date of conclusion of the employment contract with the employee. He/she is obliged to regularize his/her status during this time.

Such reservation is provided only once a year and does not exempt from liability for violation of military registration rules.

These changes are aimed at providing the critical defense industry with the necessary specialists, promptly attracting new employees and mitigating the personnel shortage.

• At the end of May 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers allowed booking 100% of employees of enterprises critical to the Armed Forces.
• In mid-July, the Cabinet of Ministers clarified the powers of local authorities to book employees.