DESS has not yet prepared lists for clergy exemptions

Illustrative photo: Suspilne

Back in December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers announced that clergy would be eligible for military service exemptions and instructed the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) to prepare a corresponding list. However, in response to an inquiry by Interfax-Ukraine regarding the list of religious organizations considered critically important for the economy and essential services during a special period, DESS gave a vague reply.

“Work is currently underway to compile such a list,” the agency stated. It added that there is still no information regarding the number or names of religious organizations granted critical status. There is also no information about the number of clergy exempted from military service, as the exemption process will only begin after the list is approved.

DESS is conducting a phased review of over 30,000 religious organizations. The timeline for completing this process remains unknown.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, clergy of the UOC are expected to face difficulties obtaining military exemptions.

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