What innovations are coming to Ukraine in August 2025: fines, mobilization, payments
August 2025 in Ukraine will be a month of real changes in business regulations, social payments, and mobilization procedures. All these reforms unfold against the backdrop of war, financial pressure, and social tension, but are officially explained by a return to accountability and state control. Here is a detailed analysis of each point: what exactly is changing, which laws regulate the updates, and who wins or loses.
Fines for Cash Registers: End of the Grace Period for Business
From August 1, 2025, Ukraine’s transition period with reduced fines for violations involving cash registers (RRO/PRRO) comes to an end. This means the state is restoring full accountability for the failure to use cash registers and for not issuing receipts.
What’s changing:
- Until now, “soft” rules applied: fines were only 25% and 50% of the value of goods sold in case of violations, helping business survive the war period.
- From August 1, fines will again reach the maximum: 100% of the value of goods (works, services) for a first violation, 150% for each subsequent one (according to Article 17 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Use of Cash Registers in Trade”).
Official position: Ukraine’s State Tax Service clarifies:
“Restoring full penalties is a necessary step to fight the shadow economy, protect consumer rights, and secure budget revenues.”
Why this matters:
- For small businesses, this means a return to strict control.
- Those who postponed modernizing their work will lose out, while transparent players who adapted in advance will benefit.
Patents and Trademarks: Deadline for Business
Although the war is far from over, tax and patent privileges are already expiring. Since May 31, 2025, all wartime reliefs in the field of intellectual property have ended. Businesses were given 75 days to pay annual fees and renew patents or trademarks. The final deadline is August 14, 2025.
Legal basis:
- Law of Ukraine “On Protection of Rights to Marks for Goods and Services” (No. 3689-IX)
- Orders of the Ministry of Economy and official notifications of the State Intellectual Property Service.
Government explanation:
“Restoring patent and fee payments is a return to market mechanisms that stimulate fair competition and protect rights holders,” – explains the Ministry of Economy.
Risks:
- Those who do not pay on time risk losing protection for their brand or invention.
- For innovative companies, this is a matter of strategic survival.
Deferments in ‘Reserv+’: Digitalization of Mobilization
Starting August 2025, the Reserv+ app expands its options for applying for mobilization deferment. Now, academic, scientific, and teaching staff, as well as Ukrainians caring for a spouse with a first or second group disability, can submit their requests online.
What’s new:
- For the first time, the procedure is highly automated: data is verified through the registries of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Policy, and the Pension Fund.
- According to Deputy Minister of Defense for Digitalization Kateryna Chernogorenko:
“Deferment will become more accessible to those truly entitled. We are opening a new level of digitalization in the mobilization system.”
Benefits:
- Greater transparency and speed.
- Less corruption and fewer human factors.
- Families raising a child with a disability are expected to receive this option in future updates.
Returning from AWOL: ‘Soft Window’ for Deserters
Until August 30, a simplified procedure is in place for returning to service those soldiers who left their units or were absent without valid reasons.
- Volunteers must report to the Military Law Enforcement Service, a reserve battalion, the State Bureau of Investigation, or the National Police or use the “Army+” app.
- Once their return is confirmed, the soldier has 24 hours to report to the appropriate unit.
Legal framework:
- Order of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 2025.
- Cabinet Resolution “On the Simplified Procedure for Returning Servicemen” (No. 457 dated April 12, 2025).
What matters:
- Service, contract, and payments are restored within three days.
- It is possible to return not only to one’s original unit flexible procedures for reintegration are provided.
Government position:
“The task is to bring back as many motivated soldiers as possible without additional repression. The choice is personal for each,” – stresses the Ministry of Defense.
Independence Day Payments: Support for the Most Vulnerable
Traditional payments for Independence Day 2025 are not canceled, despite war and budget constraints.
- People with group I disabilities 3,100 UAH; group II 2,900 UAH; group III 2,700 UAH.
- Individuals with special merits to Ukraine 3,100 UAH.
- Combatants and those injured on Maidan 1,000 UAH.
- Former prisoners of concentration camps 1,000 UAH.
- Families of fallen defenders 650 UAH.
- Other categories 450 UAH.
Official decision:
- Cabinet Resolution “On One-Time Assistance for Independence Day” No. 793, July 9, 2025.
How to receive:
- Pensioners and active military automatic payment to the account.
- Others by submitting an application to the Pension Fund (until October 1, 2025).
Government statement:
“This is symbolic support for people who made the greatest contribution to the state and suffered from the war,” – notes the Ministry of Social Policy.
August 2025 marks the return of strict rules and increased responsibility for business, a digital revolution in the mobilization system, an opportunity for voluntary military return, and financial support for the most vulnerable. Each of these changes is underpinned by a real law or government resolution not just declarations, but practical mechanisms already in place. Those who act transparently, adapt, and use new opportunities will benefit most, but these months will show how ready society is for such a leap.
Glossary:
- RRO/PRRO cash registers (electronic and software)
- AWOL absent without official leave (military desertion)
- Patent an intellectual property document
- Ministry of Social Policy the government agency responsible for social issues
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