Source: UNN

Kawaguchiko, Japan – Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has taken a significant step toward accommodating the religious diversity within its armed forces by approving new specifications for halal and kosher military rations. This initiative aims to ensure that service members of Islamic and Jewish faiths can maintain their religious dietary practices while serving their country.

Expanding Nutritional Options for Religious Observance

The recently announced rations will supplement the standard military food supplies, providing appropriate alternatives for personnel who adhere to specific religious dietary laws. According to a Ministry of Defense statement released yesterday, these specialized rations will soon be available through official procurement channels.

“We are working to ensure that nutrition in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not only balanced but also truly human-centered—one that takes into account the beliefs, religious norms, and personal preferences of each service member,” explained Galyna Litosh, director of the DOT nutrition program, which oversees military food provisioning.

Distinct Specifications for Different Religious Requirements

The new military rations feature carefully tailored menu options that respect religious dietary restrictions while maintaining nutritional standards:

• Halal Rations: Designed specifically for military personnel who follow Islamic dietary laws, these rations exclude pork and contain only halal-certified ingredients. The meat components primarily feature beef, lamb, and chicken prepared according to Islamic requirements. All products must be certified by an accredited body authorized to certify food products in Ukraine or Arab-Muslim countries.
• Kosher Rations: Created for service members who observe Jewish kashrut laws, these meals exclude prohibited ingredients and comply with strict kosher standards. The rations contain no additives or components forbidden under kashrut regulations.

Both specialized ration types will offer variations of traditional Ukrainian dishes, with main courses adapted to religious requirements. While standard rations might include borsch or soup with pork, the halal and kosher versions will feature similar dishes prepared with permissible meats such as beef, lamb, or chicken.

Advanced Packaging and Quality Standards

The Ministry emphasized that the new rations maintain high standards for both product quality and nutritional value. All meals will be packaged in modern retort

Original Articles:

unn.ua. (n.d.). Halal and kosher dry rations will appear: the Ministry of Defense has approved a menu that takes into account the religious differences of the military. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://unn.ua/en/news/halal-and-kosher-dry-rations-will-appear-the-ministry-of-defense-has-approved-a-menu-that-takes-into-account-the-religious-differences-of-the-military