In Ukraine, the conditions for employee dismissal during martial law have changed.

The Ukrainian government has adopted new rules for dismissing employees in case of martial law. According to these rules, employers cannot dismiss employees for absenteeism if their workplaces are located in areas of active hostilities. This helps employees who are absent from work due to military actions.

According to the Labor Code, dismissal for absenteeism is possible, but not in cases where the employee is absent due to military invasion. Such absence is considered a valid reason, and the employer cannot dismiss the employee in this case.

Protection of employees in areas of active hostilities

The new rules, which are effective from June 2025, prohibit employers from dismissing employees in active combat zones due to absenteeism. Such employees receive additional protection; their absenteeism is not counted in the length of service calculations and is not paid.