alternative service in Ukraine

European Bureau for Conscientious Objection urges Ukraine to pass alternative service law amid war
News - 06 July 2026

European Bureau for Conscientious Objection urges Ukraine to pass alternative service law amid war

The bureau also said Ukraine's failure to meet its commitments stems from the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff's "categorical position" requiring conscientious objectors to perform "alternative" service in non-combat military positions. According to EBCO, this contradicts the religious beliefs of a significant number of Ukrainian conscientious objectors

European conscientious objection group calls for release of imprisoned believers in Ukraine
News - 28 May 2026

European conscientious objection group calls for release of imprisoned believers in Ukraine

The report cites data showing that last year, at least 110 people in Ukraine who refused military service because of their faith were imprisoned under court rulings that violate human rights. Thousands of such believers are being forcibly held in military units, while many have faced arbitrary detention and torture

Parliament removes mention of alternative service from law on social protection of military personnel
News - 09 March 2026

Parliament removes mention of alternative service from law on social protection of military personnel

The bill's initiator is Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. It was prepared within the Ministry of Defense, specifically following a government directive to review how the law on social protection aligns with the law on military duty

Ukraine’s denial of alternative service for believers violates international law — UN
News - 23 February 2026

Ukraine’s denial of alternative service for believers violates international law — UN

There have also been instances where believers, once in the military, found themselves unable to perform their duties due to religious restrictions