Are men with skin conditions being drafted?

In Ukraine, martial law and general mobilization are ongoing. However, certain categories of citizens are exempt from conscription, particularly those due to health conditions.

Individuals with severe skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases are not recruited into the army. According to the Ministry of Defense order №262 dated April 27, 2024, the following diagnoses serve as grounds for recognizing a citizen as unfit for military service:

• diffuse neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis);
• with widespread lichenification of the skin;
• common pemphigus;
• herpetiform dermatitis;
• widespread continuously recurring plaque psoriasis;
• universal psoriasis (psoriatic erythroderma).

In addition to the aforementioned diseases, in some cases, skin conditions may also result in temporary unfitness for service. For instance, if the disease has a recurrent nature or is exacerbated, citizens may receive a deferral until their health improves.

We remind you that individuals with developmental disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and deformities are not mobilized. They may be excluded from military records if a man has:

• congenital defect of the nervous system;
• congenital defect of the eye, ear, face, and neck;
• congenital defect of the circulatory system;
• congenital defect of the respiratory system;
• cleft lip and palate and other congenital defects of the digestive organs;
• telecanthus;
• congenital defect of the reproductive organs;
• congenital defect of the urinary system;
• congenital defect and deformities of the musculoskeletal system;
• other congenital defects;
• chromosomal anomalies.

Previously, Telegraph reported on which illnesses may lead to a temporary unfitness status. A temporary deferral may be granted following acute illnesses.