In Ukraine, more than 40% of heads of religious organizations booked from mobilization are Protestants

Almost 6 thousand heads and representatives of religious organizations are booked in Ukraine, of which more than 40% are Protestants. These data, released by the State Service for Ethno-politics and Freedom of Conscience (SESC), indicate a significant role of representatives of various denominations in ensuring the spiritual needs of the population during the special period.

As reported by NGL.media with reference to the response of the GESS, as of January 31, 2026, 5,937 priests and church ministers have been booked. Of these, 4,412 are heads of religious organizations and 1,525 are clergy officially employed by such organizations. The possibility of reservation for leaders of religious organizations recognized as “critical” appeared in June 2025, and for ordinary clergy – in November 2025, provided they are employed no later than November 17, 2025.

To receive the status of “critical for the functioning of the economy and ensuring the life of the population in a special period,” religious organizations must meet a number of criteria. Among them are registration no later than December 26, 2024, timely financial reporting and, a key condition, no ties to Russian Orthodoxy. As of the beginning of February 2026, 9,216 religious organizations, whose leaders and clergy are eligible for reservation, are recognized as such.

The situation with military chaplains is worth mentioning separately. Currently, almost 500 military chaplains representing 13 different religions and denominations serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Head of the Military Chaplaincy Service Oleksandr Vovkotecha reported last October that the staffing level of chaplains is about 1,700 people, including 70 senior staff, 800 military chaplains and their assistants. The total staffing of these positions at the time was about 40%.

We shall remind you that earlier the State Service of Ukraine for Ethno-politics and Freedom of Conscience published a list of criteria according to which religious figures can be granted deferment from mobilization. According to the said list, clergymen of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will not be able to be reserved from mobilization because the UOC falls under the anti-church law No. 3894.