The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has recently facilitated the process for military reservists to register for military medical commissions (VVK) by allowing online applications through the Reserv+ app. Previously, individuals had to visit their local military enlistment offices to receive paper notifications. Now, they can simply log onto the app, submit their request, and receive notification of their appointment within 24 hours. This notification includes details necessary for planning the medical assessment—like registration number, appointment date, and address of the healthcare institution—streamlining the process and reducing the need for physical visits.
The service primarily targets reservists who voluntarily seek medical exams to determine their fitness for military service and have not yet received formal call-up papers. Those who have already received these papers still need to visit their local military enlistment office. The Ministry of Defense also plans to extend electronic directives to individuals who have received paper notifications, updating their military documentation without requiring them to visit the enlistment office after their medical assessments are complete. Information will be sent directly to the enlistment office, updating what is recorded on the Obereg registry, allowing users to obtain their updated military documentation through Reserv+.
Reservists who apply for the medical examination through the app but fail to appear will find their notification remains valid for 30 days. If they miss this timeframe, they must submit their request again, receiving the same or updated appointment information. Despite these advancements, formal call-up notifications will continue to be sent by traditional mail, as electronic notifications do not exist under current laws. This electronic VVK request process is voluntary, relying on the user’s initiative.
Alongside updates on the medical assessments, the Ministry announced the initiation of mandatory basic military training (BOVP) for students starting from September 2025. This program will consist of 300 academic hours, split between theoretical instruction at educational institutions and practical training at military units and centers. Males deemed medically fit must complete both components, whereas females may choose to participate voluntarily, provided they register at local military enlistment offices.
Upon successfully completing the BOVP, students will take military oaths and obtain certification along with specialist military registration, which absolves them from mandatory military service. It is noted, too, this training is required for initial employment opportunities within state services, local governments, and the prosecutor's office.
Critically, refusal to participate could lead to students being expelled from their educational institutions, particularly for male applicants recognized as fit for military service. Legal experts, like lawyer Marina Bekalo, point out discrepancies between the Defense Ministry’s statements and existing educational legislation. Currently, there are no established grounds for administrative expulsion for refusing BOVP, leading to concerns over the potential overreach of the ministry’s declarations.
The regulations remain murky for other educational applicants, like master’s students and PhD candidates, who may also be subjected under the mandatory BOVP but do not presently have clear guidelines governing their participation. Lawyers advise male students aged 18-25 who do not yet undergo basic military training may be subject to mobilization, so it is pertinent for students to review their status relative to this training to avoid any adverse career impacts.
Overall, the introduction of electronic directives through the Reserv+ app marks significant progress for the management of military service processes. It simplifies the procedures for obtaining necessary documentation, increasing accessibility for reservists, and easing the bureaucratic burden on military candidates.