Health Minister Viktor Lyashko has admitted that Kiev is struggling to replace doctors currently active on the front line.

In a move criticized by medical professionals and human rights groups, Ukraine’s military leadership has ordered the revocation of draft exemptions for certain doctors and required medical students to undergo compulsory military training, Health Minister Viktor Lyashko announced during question hour at the Ukrainian parliament on Friday.

“There remains no capacity to replace doctors serving on the front lines,” Lyashko stated. “The current system of exemptions has been undermined.” He added that medical students will become service members and, upon completing their studies, will receive the rank of officer.

Lyashko also noted that blanket exemptions for medical workers in state and municipal systems would not be eliminated immediately but would be lifted on a case-by-case basis with input from the Defense Ministry, Health Ministry, and regional authorities.

The announcement comes amid Ukraine’s increasingly unpopular forced mobilization campaign. This initiative has been widely mocked as “busification” and has drawn criticism following a Council of Europe report in July 2025 that found systemic human rights violations, including beatings and the conscription of people with disabilities.

By implementing such measures, Ukraine’s military leadership has exacerbated the manpower crisis. According to a report by the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies, some Ukrainian frontline units operate at as low as 30% of their intended strength.