Business urges government not to cut reservation quota for defense industry workers

The Ukrainian defense industry and business associations are protesting a new draft resolution that could cut quotas for defense industry workers from conscription lists. Serhiy Pashynsky, head of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries, has urged Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky to intervene to prevent the reduction.

He argues that losing a few thousand reservation spots will not solve mobilization issues but will weaken the nation's defense and economy. Pashynsky highlights other issues in the defense industry, such as difficulties exporting products, currency restrictions on contracts, and a lack of insurance for military risks. The association stresses that the defense industry alone supplies weapons worth over $10 billion annually, and that the military's supply depends on defense industry specialists.

Tech Forces of Ukraine warns that changes must strengthen defense capabilities, while the Gunsmiths Council says lowering the reservation limit to 85% ignores current growing needs in defense production. The Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs also opposes the reduction, stating that the government should have consulted with the business community before proposing these changes.