There are only a few conditions: lawyers explained the circumstances under which one can refuse a summons.
During the state of martial law and mobilization in Ukraine, conscripts are concerned about whether they can refuse to accept a summons. Lawyers from the law firm "Bachynskyi and Partners" explained if this is possible.
The lawyers reminded that a summons is a call for a conscript to the military enlistment office for the purpose of fulfilling military registration regulations. Most often, it is issued for the following reasons:
- registration for military service;
- updating personal records;
- undergoing a military medical commission;
- determining suitability for military service.
If a conscript has updated their personal records or has notes regarding deferral, there are no grounds for issuing a summons. In such cases, representatives of the territorial recruitment and social support center need to clarify that the information has not changed.
Can one refuse a summons?
Only individuals who have been removed from military registration can refuse a summons without legal consequences—since their removal, they have no legal or lawful connection with the territorial recruitment center. This is also possible under the following conditions:
- if the document contains incorrect information about the recipient (the summons may be addressed to someone else);
- the summons is delivered by an unauthorized person;
- the summons lacks the stamp of the territorial recruitment center or the signature of its head.
Responsibility for refusing a summons
Refusing a summons is considered a violation of military registration rules and mobilization legislation. This fact is documented by representatives of the territorial recruitment center—they must draft a relevant act of refusal, where the conscript can state their reasons for refusing the summons and sign it. Such an act serves as a basis for holding the individual administratively accountable.
Previously, lawyers discussed how long a deferral from mobilization lasts. For some, it may be automatically extended, while others will face time limits.
Additionally, in February 2025, several categories of the population may be mobilized. Some may voluntarily join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.