Defense Ministry takes control of defense: how the new mechanism of critical enterprises will work
15 September 17:16
The Cabinet of Ministers has transferred to the Ministry of Defense the authority to identify critical defense industry enterprises and to book their employees. This is due to the liquidation of the Ministry for Strategic Industries, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the selection criteria remain unchanged, and the already issued “critical” status will be valid for a year, subject to the fulfillment of government contracts.
How the system will work
- enterprises recognized as critical will be able to book 100% of employees liable for military service;
- companies will be eligible for preferential loans at 5% for production development;
- applications for the new status will be made through a special mail of the Ministry of Defense;
- the current status issued by the liquidated ministry remains valid for the transition period.
“Protecting the human resources of defense companies is a matter of national security. Many key production facilities operate in the most difficult conditions to ensure that the army receives modern weapons and equipment in a timely manner,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Hvozdyar.
Why it is important
The government explains that the new mechanism should protect production personnel from mobilization, guarantee the continuity of defense enterprises and the stability of supplies to the army.
In times of war, this is critical, as it is not only about the production of weapons and equipment, but also about preserving the engineering and scientific teams that form the technological basis of Ukrainian defense.
In August, the government already approved changes to the procedure for reserving persons liable for military service, allowing for one hundred percent reservation of employees of critical enterprises even in combat zones.
The Ministry of Strategic Industries, which was previously in charge of this area, was abolished in 2025, and its functions were distributed among other agencies.
Ukraine’s defense industry is actively increasing production of drones, artillery systems, and ammunition to reduce dependence on foreign supplies.
