DESS reports how many “clergy” received deferments from mobilization

The number of clergy granted deferments has been revealed. Photo: focus.ua

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) announced that, in less than a month, 2,285 “clergy” – leaders of religious organizations – have undergone the deferment procedure for military mobilization.

“We inform you that on June 27, 2025, DESS began processing deferments for clergy who are leaders of religious organizations. As of the date of this response, 2,285 ‘clergy’ have completed the procedure,” reads the official reply by the agency to an inquiry from Interfax-Ukraine.

Additionally, DESS reminded that 7,726 religious organizations have been designated as critically important for the functioning of the economy and the provision of vital services during a special period.

As previously reported, on December 26, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the possibility of granting mobilization deferments to clergy of religious organizations.

According to the resolution, deferments apply only to individuals holding positions listed in a special DESS-approved registry. UOC clergy were not included in that list.

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