New status in “Reserve+” puts reservations at risk: Ukrainians find themselves in a vulnerable position

In Ukraine, conscripts have witnessed serious changes in the “Reserve+” application. Now there is a new mark “operational reserve”, which automatically complicates the process of obtaining a reservation for employees of critical enterprises. Lawyers report that after the introduction of this status, the number of refusals in deferments has increased sharply.

The new mark means that a person is officially included in the operational reserve of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and can be quickly mobilized if necessary. Lawyer Maryna Bekalo notes that this status is assigned based on data on military service, participation in combat operations, completed basic military training, or the presence of a specific military specialty.

The territorial reserve also includes men aged 45 to 60, who can be called up to reinforce territorial defense units.

However, the most significant consequence of the new status is that it makes it impossible to obtain a reservation at enterprises. Lawyer Tetyana Potapova notes that as a result, many employees of key institutions face serious difficulties. The legislation does not allow booking for people who are part of the operational reserve, as they are considered a priority resource for the rapid recruitment of combat units.

The military operational reserve was created to ensure the rapid deployment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The main criteria for inclusion are specialty and service experience. Thanks to the digitalization of data in “Reserve +”, the process has become more transparent for territorial recruitment centers, which automatically blocks attempts to book in civilian positions.

Lawyers recommend checking the status in the system. If the “operational reserve” status was assigned by mistake, it is recommended to contact the territorial recruitment center to correct the data both in paper documents and in the electronic office.

Recall that territorial recruitment centers are testing new approaches to mobilization. In particular, there have been reports of conscription up to the age of 25, even for those who previously had a “limited fitness” status. There are also reports of growing tensions between civilians and territorial recruitment centers.