Weapons for All: Lviv TCRSS on the Mobilization of Believers

The Lviv Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRSS) stated that during martial law in Ukraine, alternative (non-military) service is not provided — even for citizens whose religious beliefs prohibit the use of weapons. This was announced by the head of the institution, Colonel Artur Niyazov, in response to a request from Espreso.Zakhid.

As explained by the colonel, the law “On Alternative (Non-Military) Service” stipulates that such a form of service can only replace conscripted military service. However, according to Article 18-1 of the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service”, during martial law, conscription is not carried out at all.

At the same time, Article 23 of the Law “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization” defines a limited list of grounds that allow one to avoid mobilization. Religious beliefs are not included in this list.

Thus, as stated in the TCRSS, even representatives of officially recognized religious organizations, which traditionally oppose military service with weapons, have no legal grounds for alternative service during mobilization.

“All positions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, without exception, involve the issuance and use of weapons, including during training and basic military preparation,” emphasized Colonel Artur Niyazov.

It is worth noting that the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience of Ukraine has approved the procedure for granting deferments from mobilization for representatives of religious organizations in the country. The published information confirms earlier assumptions that clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will not be included among the religious figures exempt from military service.