Passing the VLK in 2026: what you need to know

The war launched by Russia against our country continues in Ukraine. Russia's key goal is to seize territories and gain international recognition as Russian.

Due to Russia's armed aggression, mobilization has been declared in Ukraine. Therefore, all men liable for military service must have a conclusion of the military medical commission (MMC) on their fitness for military service.

Theintent is to tell you about the peculiarities of passing the MLC in 2026.

General provisions

As stated in the documents of the Ministry of Defense, in 2026, the military medical examination in Ukraine will focus on the mandatory renewal of conclusions for those who have limited fitness status or whose previous conclusion expired in 2025.

Also, the transition to electronic document management and the obligation of persons liable for military service to undergo a medical examination only upon referral by the MCC, and not on their own, will make it necessary to undergo the medical examination.

Changes in the process of passing the VLC in 2026

Changes in the 2026 VLC procedure relate to the speed (from now on, the period of passing the VLC will be from 4 to 14 days) and transparency of the procedure (VLC will be held only through electronic registers). It should be noted that the categories of fitness for military service under Order No. 402 of the Ministry of Defense "On Approval of the Regulation on Military Medical Examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine" remain in force. However, a second examination will be required if the previous conclusion has expired.

Key points for 2026:

Mandatory renewal:

Persons liable for military service whose MEC conclusion expired in 2025 must undergo a re-examination in 2026 when it is due.
Persons with "limited fitness" who have not been re-examined by June 2025 still need a new conclusion to keep their data up to date.

Procedure and referrals:

In 2026, the VLK is possible only upon an official referral from the MCC (summons).
Neither the employee nor the employer can initiate the examination on their own.

The Law of Ukraine No. 4630-IX (dated 09.10.2025) stipulates that persons liable for military service who are not registered with the MCC or are wanted will be allowed to be temporarily hired and booked for 45 days for their legalization, with the possibility of dismissal if the violations are not corrected. The law was signed by the President on October 31, 2025 and entered into force.

Lawyers also emphasize the importance of following the procedure set out in Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1487.

In this context, there are several critical rules:

An employer has no right to require an employee to go to a pre-employment medical examination on his or her own.
An employee's refusal to undergo a medical examination without an official referral from the TCC is not considered a violation of labor discipline or accounting rules.
Even if the term of the previous commission has formally "expired," the person is not obliged to report to the doctors without a new call from the TCC.

Electronic document management:

The transition to electronic conclusions and integration with other medical registries is being implemented for greater transparency.

Timing:

The VLC procedure should be fast: 4 working days if no additional examination is required, or up to 14 days if referred for additional examination.

Eligibility categories:

The fitness criteria remain unchanged (MoD Order #402), but the "fit" conclusion is valid for 1 year (or another period, depending on the situation, but not less than 1 year), after which an update is required.

Determining the degree of fitness in 2026

In 2026, it is important to understand that the decision on the degree of fitness is made by the members of the MEC based on the criteria established by Order No. 402 of the Ministry of Defense. In many cases, the decision is made incorrectly or by mistake. The reason is mistakes made by the members of the MEC or the absence of all documents confirming the state of health.

It is important to prepare and collect the necessary documents before undergoing the VLC. It is also important to check your fitness level with independent experts. This way, you can check the legality of the decision of the VLC and, if necessary, appeal the conclusion.

Who does not need to undergo a VLC in 2026 (if there is no referral):

If the conclusion of the MLC is valid and has not expired.
If there is no new call from the MCC, you are not required to undergo an examination.

You are also not referred for a medical examination:

Conscripts (men aged 18-25), except for those who have served in regular service, graduated from a military department, or have already become liable for military service. The VLC for conscripts is conducted only in case of voluntary enlistment. A duplicate certificate of registration is issued without a medical examination, but it is required during the initial registration.
Conscripts who have completed general military training or basic service before the age of 25 are not mobilized and are not sent for a military qualification examination.
Persons liable for military service with an application for deferment - for the period of its consideration (7 days) and during the validity of the deferment.
Persons liable for military service with a deferment based on a reservation from an enterprise and a decision of the Ministry of Economy.
Persons deregistered due to reaching the age limit, health condition or conviction for a serious/extremely serious crime.

Володимир Шкаєв