A Ukrainian citizen who also holds a passport from another country may be called up on the standard grounds, provided they do not have a legal right to deferment or a valid exemption. Possession of a foreign passport does not in itself constitute grounds for exemption from military service, according to the Sumy Regional Territorial Centre for Recruitment and Social Support.
Briefly about the main points
- A second passport does not automatically entitle the holder to a deferral.
- Conscription rules depend on status, age, fitness for service and legal grounds.
- Bookings are considered separately from the issue of holding another nationality.
- The law on multiple citizenship has not abolished compulsory military service.
- Foreign nationals who are not Ukrainian citizens serve only on a voluntary, contract basis.
What are the rules governing the consideration of conscription?
According to the Ministry of Defence, the general rule on mobilisation applies to men of conscription age between 25 and 60 who have been deemed fit for service, provided they have not been granted a deferment and are not reserved for specific roles. The legislation sets out specific provisions for certain categories.
Military service includes military registration, reserve status, active service and compliance with registration requirements. Updating military registration details is mandatory; however, the fact that such details are out of date does not in itself entitle a person to a deferment, nor is it a condition without which mobilisation is impossible.
Deferrals and bookings have separate legal grounds
A person with multiple nationalities does not lose their right to a deferral if they have grounds provided for by law. Such grounds may relate to health, family circumstances, education or caring for relatives, but apply only under the conditions laid down by law.
Current military service is also taken into account separately. Details of this are recorded in the electronic military registration document; a foreign passport does not constitute grounds for granting it.
The law on multiple citizenship has not altered military service obligations
Law No. 4502-IX, adopted in 2025, came into force on 16 January 2026 and updated the rules governing the acquisition and retention of Ukrainian citizenship. It does not establish a separate mobilisation procedure nor does it abolish the military obligations of Ukrainian citizens.
In legal relations with Ukraine, a person who holds Ukrainian citizenship as well as another citizenship is recognised as a citizen of Ukraine. Therefore, holding another passport does not alter their status in the eyes of the Ukrainian authorities.
How does the status of a Ukrainian differ from that of a foreigner?
Military service does not apply to foreign nationals and stateless persons. Under the conditions laid down by law, they may voluntarily enlist in the armed forces on a contractual basis.
This rule does not apply to a person who retains Ukrainian citizenship, even if they hold a passport issued by another state. Ukrainian citizenship is the determining factor for the application of mobilisation rules, whilst deferrals or exemptions are considered on the basis of specific legal grounds.
