In military law, it is not a mistake but a delay that costs the most. The deadline for appealing against a decision by the Military Medical Commission is 10 days. The fine doubles after 15 days of non-payment. Appealing against the Medical Commission’s decision does not suspend its effect — you may be sent to your unit whilst the proceedings are ongoing. In cases concerning exemption from military service, the situation changes from day to day.
A military lawyer does not ‘exempt you from mobilisation’ – this is impossible and unlawful. Instead, they ensure that your legitimate grounds are recognised in writing, and that the actions of the Military Registration and Enlistment Office, the Medical Examination Commission and the command remain within the bounds of the law.
We handle these cases for those liable for military service, serving military personnel and their family members — in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine, mostly remotely.
+38 095 554-54-24 — legal consultation
Areas of practice
Mobilisation and registration
- Lawyer specialising in the Military Registration and Enlistment Office (TCK) — summonses, unlawful detention, access to a lawyer
- Appeals against Military Registration and Enlistment Office fines — 17,000–25,500 UAH under Articles 210 and 210-1 of the Code of Administrative Offences
- Lawyer specialising in mobilisation
- Applying for a deferment from mobilisation
Health
- Medical Assessment Lawyer — appealing against findings following the revocation of ‘limited fitness’ status
- Discharge from military service — on health grounds or due to family circumstances
Criminal defence
- Lawyer specialising in evasion of military service and desertion — Articles 407 and 408 of the Criminal Code
Money
- Payments to military personnel — recovery of unpaid funds, disputes regarding status
- Recalculation of military pensions
Time limits most commonly missed
| What | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Appeal against a TCC decision on a fine | 10 days from the date of the decision |
| Voluntary payment of a fine (hereinafter referred to as ‘doubling’) | 15 days from the date of service |
| Judicial appeal against a decision of the Medical Examination Commission | 6 months (Article 122 of the Code of Administrative Procedure) |
| Time limit for bringing administrative proceedings | 3 months from the date of discovery, but no later than 1 year from the date of the offence |
| Appeal against a court decision | 30 days |
Missing the deadline is not always fatal — it can be extended if you were not served with a copy of the decision or if there were valid reasons. However, this is a separate matter, and winning such a case is more difficult.
Court fees in 2026
The minimum subsistence level for able-bodied persons is 3,328 UAH.
- 665.60 UAH — appeal against a ruling in an administrative offence case (TCK fine);
- 1,331.20 UAH — administrative claim (VLK, refusal to grant a deferral, actions of the TCC);
- free of charge — appeal to the higher Medical Examination Commission;
- if the case is won, court fees and lawyers’ fees are recoverable from the defendant.
What we do not do
It is worth stating this clearly, as the market is full of contradictory promises.
We do not ‘resolve issues’ relating to mobilisation, we do not issue fictitious medical certificates, and we do not buy deferrals. These are criminal offences — both for those who offer them and for those who agree to them. People who have agreed to this do not gain freedom, but face a second criminal case on top of the first.
What we do: we identify the legal grounds you already possess and formalise them in writing. Very often, the grounds for a deferral exist but have not been formalised: certificates have expired, status has not been confirmed, or there is no data in the register. This can be resolved — legally.
When a lawyer is not needed
You are registered, your details are up to date, there are no grounds for deferment, and the Medical Examination Commission has reasonably deemed you fit for service — a lawyer cannot help you in any way. We will tell you this during the consultation, not after payment.
A military lawyer is needed when:
- a fine has been imposed by the Military Registration and Enlistment Office (MREO);
- you are being held at the MREO right now;
- the Medical Examination Commission (MEC) has deemed you fit for service contrary to your medical records;
- there is a legal basis for deferment, but it is not being recognised;
- criminal proceedings have been initiated for breach of military service obligations or evasion;
- the funds due are not being paid or your pension has been calculated incorrectly;
- you are abroad and need to regularise your status.
Cost of services
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Consultation with a military lawyer | from 1,500 UAH |
| Legal opinion: assessment of the situation and grounds | from 5,000 UAH |
| Preparation of documents (deferral, appeal to the Medical Examination Commission, application) | from 5,000 UAH |
| Preparation of a statement of claim and procedural documents | from 5,000 UAH |
| Participation in one court hearing | from 3,000 UAH |
| Legal representation in court | from 10,000 UAH |
| Comprehensive ‘turnkey’ representation in administrative cases | from 30,000 UAH |
| Lawyer’s participation in investigative proceedings | from 15,000 UAH |
| Comprehensive representation in a criminal case (illegal acquisition of property, Articles 407 and 408 of the Criminal Code) | from 60,000 UAH |
| Support in enforcement proceedings | from 3,000 UAH |
Questions and answers (Military lawyer)
Can a lawyer exempt you from mobilisation?
No. A lawyer seeks to have your legitimate grounds recognised — deferral, health status, exemption — and to ensure the legality of the Military Registration and Enlistment Office’s actions. Promises to ‘sort things out’ entail criminal liability for both parties.
How long do you have to appeal against a fine imposed by the Military Registration and Enlistment Office?
10 days from the date the decision is issued. Fifteen days after service, any unpaid fine is doubled by the enforcement service.
Is there a ‘limited fitness’ status?
No, it was abolished on 4 May 2024. The Medical Commission (VLK) now determines the following statuses: fit; fit for service in support units; temporarily unfit; unfit with removal from the register.
Does appealing against the Medical Examination Commission’s decision suspend its implementation?
No, it does not automatically suspend it. Therefore, whilst appealing, you must also resolve matters with the Territorial Conscription Centre — otherwise, you may be sent to a military unit whilst the appeal is ongoing.
What should you do if you are detained at the Military Medical Centre?
Call your solicitor immediately, do not sign any documents you do not understand, state the grounds for deferment in writing, and note down the time and the names of the officials.
Can the case be handled from abroad?
Yes. Appealing fines, dealing with the Medical Examination Commission, and processing documents – all of this can be done remotely via the ‘Electronic Court’ system and through solicitors’ requests.
What are the consequences of unauthorised absence from military service?
Criminal liability under Article 407 of the Criminal Code (unauthorised absence from a unit) or Article 408 of the Criminal Code (desertion). The classification of the offence and the penalty depend on the duration of the absence and the circumstances — every day counts here, and you need a solicitor from day one.
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Your military registration document, summons, decision from the Territorial Military Commissariat, medical assessment report, medical documents, documents regarding grounds for deferment, and documents relating to payments or pensions.
Contacting a military lawyer at the ‘Svarog’ firm
Describe your situation during the consultation — we’ll explain what legal grounds you have, which deadlines are approaching, and what can be done right now. And we’ll be honest with you if there’s no legal recourse: that’s far more helpful than empty promises that end in a criminal case.
+38 095 554-54-24 · Kyiv, 7 Khoriva St, Office 2 (Podil) · Mon–Fri 9.00–18.00