Leave entitlements for service members during martial law
The right of service members to take leave, as well as the procedure for granting it, is regulated by the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Social and Legal Protection of Military Personnel and Their Family Members.’
The Ministry of Defence clarifies which types of leave service members are entitled to during martial law.
Annual main leave
Service members are granted annual main leave of up to 30 days, provided that no more than 30% of the unit’s total personnel are absent at the same time. Service remuneration and material support continue to be provided during this type of leave.
Additional time may be granted for travel within Ukraine to the place of leave and back. This time may not exceed two days each way.
Annual main leave may be taken in parts, provided that the main uninterrupted portion is no less than 15 calendar days.
For service members who fall ill during annual main leave and require inpatient treatment, the leave is extended after recovery by the number of days remaining unused. For this purpose, a medical certificate must be obtained and certified by the regional office of the Military Law and Order Service or by the head of the relevant city or district Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC).
Additional leave entitlement for service members with combatant status
Service members with combatant status are entitled to 14 calendar days of additional leave. This is stipulated in the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection.’ This type of leave may be granted at the commander’s discretion.
Leave entitlements for family-related circumstances and other legitimate reasons
Leave for family-related circumstances may be granted in the relevant cases. Its duration may not exceed 10 calendar days, excluding travel time within Ukraine. Service remuneration continues to be provided during this type of leave.
Leave entitlement for destroyed enemy equipment
Service members are eligible for additional leave for destroyed enemy equipment. The total duration may not exceed 15 calendar days per year and varies depending on the category of equipment destroyed.
Leave entitlement for service members released from captivity
Service members released from captivity who opt to continue military service but require a period of rest may receive an additional 90 calendar days of leave, with service remuneration retained and without being divided into parts.
Leave for medical treatment
Leave for medical treatment is granted based on the conclusion of a Military Medical Commission (MMC), either due to illness or after a wound. Medical specialists determine the duration of such leave. For the duration of this period, service remuneration remains payable to the service member.
Childcare leave
This type of leave is granted for the care of a child until the child reaches age 3. Service remuneration is not retained during this type of leave.
Additional leave for education
This type of leave is granted to service members aged 18 to 25 who do not have a higher education degree and are enrolled in institutions of higher or professional pre-higher education, excluding military educational institutions.
Leave entitlements for service members conditionally released from serving a sentence
Service members who enter military service under contract after being conditionally released from imprisonment are not eligible for annual main leave. However, they may be granted leave for family-related circumstances and other legitimate reasons for a period of up to 10 days.