Mobilization 2026: What Those with Limited Fitness Should Do and Where They Will Serve

Some serious conditions that do not affect functional capacity (such as HIV and hepatitis) are no longer grounds for limiting fitness or for removal from the military register.

Since 2024, the category “limited fitness” has been replaced with a new one — “fit for service in specific military units.” How all of this affects mobilization in Ukraine in 2026 is examined in today’s publication.

What Changed for Those Previously Classified as “Limited Fit” After the Military Medical Commission Reform

The reform of the Military Medical Commissions (MMC), carried out in 2024, changed the categories of fitness for military service. The former category of “limited fitness” was replaced with a new classification that clearly specifies in which units individuals with health limitations may serve, namely in:

• support units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TRC and SSC);
• military higher educational institutions and training centers;
• communications, security, logistics, and operational support units;
• medical units.

Citizens who had previously been classified as “limited fit” by an MMC decision were required to undergo a repeat medical examination by June 5, 2025, and officially replace the abolished category with the new one. Importantly, they were expected to report for this examination on their own initiative.

Are Those Previously Classified as “Limited Fit” Required to Undergo a Repeat MMC Examination?

According to the latest legislative changes, citizens who were previously classified as “limited fit” were required to undergo a repeat examination by the Military Medical Commission (MMC) to determine whether they are fit for service or fit for service in specific military units. Initially, it was expected that they would receive a summons from the Territorial Recruitment Center, but later voluntary appearance at the MMC became a civic obligation. The deadline for undergoing the new MMC examination was set for June 5, 2025.

What Fitness Categories Apply in 2026?

The Military Medical Commission must now clearly determine where exactly a conscript with health limitations can serve. Following the abolition of the “limited fit” status, four fitness categories are now in force:

• fit for military service;
• fit for service in specific units (training, communications, logistics, support, security, Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers, medical units);
• unfit for military service with removal from the military register;
• temporarily unfit for a period of 6–12 months.

The last category is relatively rare and applies to individuals with serious but treatable conditions. A person recognized as temporarily unfit must undergo a repeat MMC examination after the specified period; based on the commission’s decision, they will either be declared fit or granted an extension of temporary unfitness.

What Decisions Can the MMC Make Regarding Those Previously Classified as “Limited Fit”?

Based on the results of the repeat examination, in 2026 the Military Medical Commission (MMC) may assign a person previously classified as “limited fit” to one of the four categories listed above. The commission determines whether such individuals are subject to mobilization and where they will serve—either in the specific units mentioned earlier or, if the person does not meet the health limitations defined in the regulation, in combat units.

Are Persons with Health Limitations Subject to Mobilization?

Citizens with health limitations defined in Resolution No. 402 of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are considered fit for service in Territorial Recruitment Centers and other non-combat units, where they are typically assigned. However, they cannot be deployed to infantry, airborne assault forces, special operations units, or other combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Can “Limited Fit” Individuals Be Assigned to Combat Units?

Individuals mobilized with health limitations cannot be assigned to combat units. They serve in support, communications, logistics, security units, training centers, and Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers.

What to Do If You Disagree with a Military Medical Commission Decision

If a conscript disagrees with the decision of the Military Medical Commission (MMC), they can appeal it to a higher-level MMC within five days or take the matter to court. The MMC system is structured as follows:

• territorial commissions (at military units, clinics, and district Territorial Recruitment Centers);
• regional (oblast) MMCs;
• the Central MMC in Kyiv.

An individual may file a complaint with a higher-level MMC and provide evidence explaining why the commission’s conclusion does not comply with the law—particularly with Resolution No. 402 of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, which sets out the criteria for assigning citizens to specific categories based on medical conditions, their severity, and other factors. If the decision of a lower-level MMC does not comply with the regulation, the higher-level MMC has the authority to overturn it and issue its own, more objective determination of the individual’s fitness category.

A person may apply to court either after completing the full MMC appeal process or immediately after receiving a decision from the first-instance commission. It is important to note that this route is more time-consuming, and the court does not assign a new fitness category; rather, it orders the MMC to review its conclusion, taking into account the circumstances established during the case. At the same time, the court is more impartial, as it has no interest in declaring a person fit for military service.

Going to court is particularly advisable in cases where a medical condition is not clearly defined in the Ministry of Defense regulation or may have multiple interpretations. For example, under the criteria, congenital defects, the absence, or dysfunction of one of a pair of organs is not automatically grounds for being declared unfit—such individuals are considered capable of serving in non-combat units. However, their actual condition may be significantly more severe than what the commission determines. With qualified legal assistance, a persistent individual can still obtain a fair and accurate MMC decision.

What Is the Liability for Avoiding an MMC Examination?

Liability for avoiding a Military Medical Commission (MMC) examination is the same as for other violations of military registration rules (failure to appear upon summons, failure to update personal data, etc.): a fine of 17,000 UAH imposed by the Territorial Recruitment Center.

The statute of limitations for imposing such liability is three months and may be extended up to one year, but no longer. Once this period expires, the same violation cannot be penalized again.

Practical Advice for Those Previously Classified as “Limited Fit” in 2026

First of all, a person previously classified as “limited fit” should make sure that this status is reflected in their military registration documents. Before deciding whether to undergo a repeat MMC examination, it is important to prepare thoroughly: gather a complete set of medical records related to existing conditions, undergo new tests, and complete additional examinations if necessary.

At this stage, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in military law. Such a specialist can provide practical guidance on mobilization based on professional experience. Taking these recommendations into account, the individual can decide whether to undergo a repeat MMC examination.

In some cases, it may be worth preparing more thoroughly—strengthening medical documentation and requesting additional examinations. Alternatively, a person may choose not to appear at the MMC or the Territorial Recruitment Center and instead wait for the statute of limitations on liability to expire.

If a person intends to challenge a Territorial Recruitment Center’s decision in court, professional legal assistance is essential. A lawyer can assess the prospects of the case, handle the proceedings, and advise the client—significantly increasing the chances of achieving a favorable outcome and obtaining a court order for the MMC to review its conclusion.