Queues at military registration and enlistment offices again: how the law on the military registration and enlistment commission affected persons liable for military service

22 May 11:39

Ukraine’s military registration and enlistment offices are once again recording long queues caused by the need to re-pass the military medical commission (MMC) for people with the status of “limited fitness.” Photos of the queues outside military registration and enlistment offices are published in local telegram channels, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.

Thousands of citizens are rushing to fulfill the law’s requirement by the June 5, 2025 deadline. Why this situation has arisen, what consequences await those who fail to pass the VLC, and how to prepare for the medical examination, analyzed

Why there are queues at military registration and enlistment offices

It should be noted that Law No. 3621, which came into force on May 4, abolished the status of “limitedly fit” and set a nine-month period for a second medical examination. All persons liable for military service with this status must pass a commission and receive a new valid status.

The status of “fit for military service” allows a person liable for military service to be appointed to any position in the Armed Forces. In addition, there are statuses that allow for service in support units, recruitment centers and educational institutions.

There are also categories: “temporarily unfit” (in need of treatment or leave), “unfit” with re-examination in 6-12 months, and “unfit” with complete exclusion from military registration.

on February 12, the Verkhovna Rada extended the deadline for passing the military medical commission for partially fit citizens of Ukraine until June 5, 2025.

As previously reported [Kommersant] there are more than 1.5 million such people in Ukraine, which creates a significant burden on the territorial recruitment centers (TCC) and the MEC.

Photos of queues outside military registration and enlistment offices posted on local Telegram channels show massive appeals from citizens who have been trying to get through the medical examination before the deadline in recent weeks. This situation is explained not only by the large number of people liable for military service, but also by fears of fines and other sanctions.

Who has to undergo a second VLC by June 5

Law No. 3621-IX clearly defines the category of persons who are required to undergo a second medical examination:

Age range: Men aged 25 to 60 years who were recognized as limitedly fit for military service before May 4, 2024.
Exemptions: Persons with disabilities of any group are exempt from this requirement.

According to the law, all persons who have previously been recognized as “partially fit for service” must:

undergo a medical re-examination;
obtain a new status in accordance with the updated classification.

Importantly, the initiator of the VLC must be the person liable for military service, not the MCC. This means that there is no need to wait for a call-up – citizens must apply to the military registration and enlistment office or through the mobile application Reserve.

How to get a referral to the MTC?

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has simplified the procedure for obtaining a referral to the CMC by offering two main ways:

Through the TCC and the JV: Persons liable for military service can apply to the nearest territorial recruitment center at their place of residence to receive a paper referral. This requires a passport, military registration documents and medical documentation (if available).
Through the application “Reserve “: Since January 31, 2025, the application has had an electronic referral function for the MLC. Users can submit a request through the application, receive a notification with details and contact a designated healthcare facility without visiting the MCC. For the service to work correctly, you need to update the “Reserve” to version 1.6.1.

What statuses can be assigned by the MEC?

After the second VLC has taken place, men can be assigned one of the following statuses from the two categories “fit” and “unfit”.

fit only for service in military support units, TCCs and JVs, higher military educational institutions, training centers, institutions (establishments), medical units, logistics, communications, operational support, and security units;
fit,
unfit for military service with exclusion from the military register;
unfit for military service with re-examination (in 6-12 months);
temporarily unfit (a person in need of treatment or treatment and leave, release from service).

These statuses are determined on the basis of an updated list of diseases approved by the Ministry of Defense in May 2024, which meets the current requirements of military service.

Consequences of failing to undergo a preliminary medical examination by June 5

The Ministry of Defense warns that ignoring the requirement to undergo a preliminary medical examination by June 5, 2025 will have serious consequences:

Penalties: Violation of the rules of military registration is subject to administrative liability in the form of a fine of UAH 17,000 to 25,500 (Article 210 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine). In case of voluntary payment of the fine within a certain period, a 50% discount is possible.
Forced delivery to the TCC: MCCs may contact the National Police, which has the right to detain violators and bring them to military registration and enlistment offices for the purpose of undergoing a military check-up.
“Wanted” status: If a person liable for military service has received a call-up for the CMC and has not fulfilled it, the “wanted” status may appear in the “Reserve” application.

At the same time, if the call-up has not been received, no fines should be imposed, but lawyers advise not to take any risks and initiate a medical examination on your own.

Why is it important to meet the deadline?

The Ministry of Defense urges citizens not to postpone the VLC until the last days, as the queues at military registration and enlistment offices are only growing. Timely fulfillment of the requirements of the law allows:

Avoid fines and sanctions: A timely medical examination will protect you from administrative liability.
Save reservations: Persons with a deferment or reservation are also required to undergo a VLC, otherwise they may lose these privileges.
Get a clear status: The new conclusion of the OPC will help determine whether a person can serve, and if so, in which units.

Tips for passing the military qualification commission

To simplify the process and avoid problems, follow these recommendations:

Prepare your documents: Bring your passport, military ID card and medical documentation confirming previous diagnoses. This will help doctors assess your health condition faster.
Make anappointment in advance: Many TCCs have an electronic queue that reduces waiting time.
Use the “Reserve”: An electronic referral saves time and allows you to choose a convenient medical facility for your medical examination.
Do not ignore thesummons: If you have received a summons, comply with its requirements to avoid the “wanted” status.
Appeal against decisions: If you do not agree with the conclusion of the MLC, you can appeal it first to the regional MLC and then to the court within one month.