- Ukraine Is Aggressively Prosecuting Conscientious Objectors — Prosecutors have launched over 1,000 criminal cases against men (mostly Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, and Orthodox) whose applications for alternative civilian service were rejected, with about 500 cases reaching court.
- Hundreds Are Jailed or Held in Military Bases — At least 24 conscientious objectors are currently serving prison sentences, with 7 awaiting appeals and 21 in pre-trial detention. Hundreds more (including ~300 Seventh-day Adventists and 50 Council of Churches Baptists) are being held against their will on military bases, often facing pressure and torture.
- No Alternative Service During Wartime — Despite martial law and UN concern, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry insists alternative civilian service does not exist during wartime. A promised new law to allow it has not yet reached Parliament, despite a June 2026 deadline. Courts are handing down prison terms of 3–6 years under various Criminal Code articles.
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