VMC without borders: Ukraine launches remote medical commissions for wounded soldiers abroad
11 September 2025 20:18
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been seriously injured. Some of them are undergoing long-term treatment abroad – in Germany, Poland, the United States and other countries. However, returning to Ukraine to undergo a military medical commission (MMC) is often physically impossible. This creates legal uncertainty about their status, further service or dismissal. The Ministry of Defense writes about this, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
What happened: the government is launching an experiment
on September 10, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution that allows for the remote passage of the VLC. The project is experimental and applies to military personnel who:
- have been undergoing treatment abroad for more than 12 months;
- are unable to physically come to the military qualification commission in Ukraine;
- belong to the Defense and Security Forces, including police and civil defense;
- suffered as a result of Russian aggression.
Who is eligible: medical criteria
The Cabinet of Ministers’ resolution provides a clear list of diseases and injuries that allow servicemen to undergo a military medical commission remotely. This list includes:
- Thermal and chemical burns that cause significant disorders of the skin and general condition of the body.
- Oncological diseases, including malignant tumors that require long-term treatment and observation.
- Pathologies of the visual organs, including diseases of the eyes and the adnexa, which significantly limit functionality.
- Head and neck injuries that can have serious consequences for the nervous system and general health.
- Injuries to the spine, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, which often lead to partial or complete loss of mobility.
- Injuries to internal organs that require complex surgery or long-term recovery.
- Serious injuries to the limbs, both upper and lower, that may make it impossible to move independently.
What it changes: legal status and return
After passing the remote preliminary military qualification examination, the serviceman
- receives an official medical report;
- is not obliged to undergo a second commission upon returning to Ukraine;
- can apply for discharge, extension of service or other documents without physical presence.
What the Ministry of Defense says
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that this is a step towards humanizing the system. “We must ensure legal protection for those who defend the country, even if they are being treated thousands of kilometers away,” the ministry said.
What’s next: will this become the norm?
The project is still an experimental one. Its effectiveness will be evaluated over the next few months. If the model proves to be effective, remote vocational training may become a regular practice – not only for the wounded abroad, but also for other categories of military.
