The “Reserve+” operational reserve: what it is and why it's practically impossible to make a reservation with this designation

Employees of critical infrastructure companies are facing widespread denials of deferrals from mobilization. The reason is their “operational reserve” status in the “Reserve+” app. For the state, these people are a priority resource. Find out who falls into this category and why the law does not allow for deferrals

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An update has been released for the “Reserve+” app that has raised many questions among users—the “operational reserve” status. For many, this came as an unpleasant surprise, as having this designation makes it virtually impossible to obtain a deferral from mobilization, even if the person works at a company that is critical to the economy.

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What does the “operational reserve” status mean in “Reserve+”?

The main goal of the state in forming the operational reserve is to create a reliable pool of trained personnel who can be deployed at a moment’s notice. This is necessary so that, in the event of an escalation on the front lines, the army can quickly replenish combat units, rotate personnel, or deploy additional forces.

As lawyer Marina Bekalo notes, having this status means that the state considers the citizen a priority resource for manning the troops. These individuals are included in the reserve for priority mobilization if additional forces are needed at the front.

Who is transferred to the operational reserve

This category does not include random individuals. According to lawyers, the operational reserve is formed from those who already have military or actual combat experience. Citizens who have completed basic general military training and possess a sought-after military specialty also receive this status.

In addition, men in the older age group—from 45 to 60 years old—are often included in the operational reserve. The state views this category of citizens as a resource that can be rapidly mobilized, if necessary, to reinforce territorial defense forces.

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Why are exemptions not granted if one has “Reserve Plus” status or is in the operational reserve?

In recent days, there has been a significant increase in inquiries from citizens who are being denied reservations, and people often do not understand the real reason. Lawyer Tetyana Potapova explains that it is precisely reserve status that has now become the main reason for such denials.

“Over the past few days, the top inquiries have been about denials of reservations due to a citizen’s status as a reservist. It is impossible to reserve a reservist under the general rule, because the Cabinet of Ministers’ resolution does not provide for this,” Potapova emphasizes.

The legal nuance lies in the booking rules themselves. According to the current Cabinet of Ministers resolution, only those subject to military service are eligible for booking. Citizens with reservist status do not fall into this category, so standard legal mechanisms for protection against conscription do not apply to them.

Can an employee in the operational reserve be exempted?

In practice, it is currently impossible to exempt such an employee. Facing refusals causes a great deal of stress for critical infrastructure workers; however, from the perspective of the law and military strategy, the situation is clear-cut.

Even if a person works in a critically important sector of the economy and performs irreplaceable functions at their company, operational reserve status takes the highest priority. The main task of such citizens is to be ready to strengthen the country’s defense at the first call, so companies cannot protect them from mobilization through the standard reservation procedure.

If you have any doubts or are planning to travel abroad in 2026, consulting an experienced migration lawyer will help you understand your rights and prepare all the documents correctly. Our specialists will help you check whether you need a deferral, what documents you should have, and will also advise on legal ways to leave without the risk of violating the rules. Contact our lawyers and crossing the border will become safe and legal.

Reminder! Not all parents understand the consequences of ignoring military registration for 17-year-olds in Ukraine. Whether the procedure is mandatory and who is responsible for violating it is a question that raises many doubts. Find out if fines are imposed and how the registration system works today.

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