On workforce deferment, a pressing issue

Why is a defense enterprise producing protective gear for Ukrainian soldiers still unable to secure the right to defer its employees?

It may surprise you, but Ballistics is still fighting for the right to defer its workforce. Despite producing equipment relied on by hundreds of thousands of defenders, the company lacks essential support, while employees in secondary industries—such as fortune-tellers, sushi chefs, and others—are granted deferrals without substantial hurdles.

In addition to myself as the owner, who has been serving on the front line since February 24, 2022, top managers at Ballistics are also enlisted. One was called up last year, another this year, and a recent summons was issued to yet another. This jeopardizes the company’s operations, and we may struggle to meet our obligations.

For context, we have been awaiting a response from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine since June 24, 2024. The response was supposed to arrive within 10 days, yet we’ve been waiting for over four months. Yes, everyone is overwhelmed, but Ballistics isn’t sitting idle either.

We firmly believe that Ballistics meets the deferral criteria set not only by the Ministry of Defense but also by the Ministry of Strategic Industries and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, yet we still cannot secure deferrals.

To clarify: we not only produce equipment for the military but actively support the defense forces. Our contributions have now reached nearly 80 million UAH. We employ well over 100 staff members, with an average salary exceeding the national average by more than 1.5 times, and we pay taxes regularly. In just the first nine months of 2024, we have paid 55,360,278 UAH in taxes and fees.

So why are others granted deferrals while Ballistics can’t even get a response to our requests? What more must be proven to receive this right?

Should we continue working without support? Is there interest in seeing Ballistics halt operations? Without our employees, the company cannot fulfill its mission.

Journalists, civic leaders, Ukrainians—your voices can help us defend our rights. Support us in the fight for fairness!

Oleksandr Dovhyi