The Armed Forces of Ukraine explained how the deferment of Ukrainian religious leaders from military service will work

The Command of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine commented on the information about the postponement of mobilization of representatives of religious organizations of Ukraine. According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the army respects the right of clergy and religious leaders to defer mobilization, but it should be implemented only in the context of the previous instructions of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience. This was reported by the press service of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“The Command of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) welcomes the decision of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) to approve the List of Critical Religious Organizations, which allows for the reservation of military clergy in accordance with Order No. H-82/11 of June 6, 2025. We recognize the important role of religious organizations in providing spiritual support to the population, especially under martial law, and support legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring the stable functioning of these institutions. At the same time, the Command of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasizes the need for strict compliance with the requirements of the law during the booking procedure,” — the statement said.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine listed the criteria according to which the deferral of mobilization for religious leaders will be acceptable. Among them is compliance with the list of religious organizations published by the State Emergency Service, which naturally excludes the deferral of mobilization for the clergy of the UOC.

“The reservation of clergymen should take place only if all the requirements set by the State Emergency Service are met, including official employment, military registration with the Military Commissariat and the Joint Forces, and confirmation of the status of a clergyman in accordance with the internal guidelines of the religious organization. This will prevent abuse and ensure comprehensive justice. The Land Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine calls on all religious organizations included in the List to take a responsible approach to the booking process, ensuring the accuracy of the information provided and compliance with legal norms. We also express our gratitude to the clergy who have already joined the spiritual support of military personnel and civilians in times of war, and look forward to further fruitful cooperation,” — the Armed Forces added.

As a reminder, the Armed Forces of Ukraine face an acute shortage of military chaplains, which leads to candidates being sought for vacant positions through job search sites. For example, the well-known Ukrainian platform Work.ua has 51 chaplaincy vacancies with salaries ranging from 15 to 100 thousand hryvnias. One of the few conditions is that you do not belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.