Military qualification in Poland - can Ukrainians be drafted.

Rumors have emerged on social media that several hundred thousand citizens residing in Poland may be directed to undergo military qualification, which is analogous to the Ukrainian military medical commission. Amid such rumors, social media users have raised the question of whether Ukrainians living in this country or even those who have obtained its citizenship can be obliged to undergo such a procedure.In a comment to TSN, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland Vasyl Bodnar explained.

What is military qualification and who does it concern

Military qualification is an annual mandatory check of the health status and readiness for military service. The purpose of the procedure is to update military records and determine how suitable the population is for service both physically and psychologically.In 2026, the military classification will take place from February to late April. It is planned to involve 235 thousand citizens - five thousand more than last year.

'This is due to the expansion of the groups of citizens subject to verification, in particular, new categories of women and specialists have been added. Other aspects of the procedure have not changed significantly,' explained the diplomat.

Those who must pass military qualification:

- men born in 2007 (the basic 'draft' age);- men born between 2002 and 2006 who have not previously undergone qualification and do not have a final fitness category;- citizens who were deemed unfit in 2024-2025 (referring to those whose unfitness terms expire before the qualification ends in 2026);- volunteers aged 18+;- those who will turn 60 by the end of 2026.

In addition, the following may be considered as mobilization resources:

- women born between 1999-2007 who have professional qualifications and are fit for service;- female students graduating in the 2025-2026 academic year in important defense specialties or professions.The main task of military qualification is to update data about people who can be called upon to defend the state. After qualification, each participant is recorded in the military register, added to the passive reserve, and given an initial military rank. Subsequently, these individuals may be mobilized for military training and, in case of emergencies, called up for service.

Do Ukrainians in Poland need to undergo military qualification

According to Vasyl Bodnar, this requirement does not apply to Ukrainian citizens who are temporarily residing in Poland. Another matter is if a person has Polish citizenship.

'Ukrainians who have obtained Polish citizenship fall under the general provisions (for passing military qualification, - Ed.), if they are included in the list of those it concerns,' the ambassador noted.

It is important to note that in 2026, the Ministry of Defense of Poland plans to launch a large-scale military qualification campaign. Up to 235 thousand citizens may be involved in the checks.We have also reported that Poland may change the entry conditions for foreigners, particularly concerning Ukrainian citizens. Ukrainians who are temporarily residing in Poland are not required to undergo military qualification, but this procedure may apply to those who have obtained citizenship of this country. The situation requires careful monitoring and the determination of specific requirements regarding the stay of foreigners in Poland soon.