The Ukrainian government has presented a revised bill to parliament which aims to bolster its military mobilisation processes and maintain its combat-ready troops amidst the continuing Russian invasion. This bill was initially rolled out at the end of December 2023 but was met with public disapproval and constitutional qualms, leading to its subsequent return to the government for revamping.
At its inception, the bill proposed to lower the conscription age from 27 to 25, limit the deferment rights of students and caregivers, eliminate the “limited fitness for service” concept, and create an electronic office of conscription. However, the bill faced backlash over allegations of potential corruption risks, put forth by the Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Corruption.
Post the Russian invasion, Ukraine declared martial law in February 2022 and saw a surge in the number of volunteers in the first year of the conflict. Ukrainian men of military age (18-60) were banned from leaving the country unless granted special dispensation. President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed in late December 2023 that the military had requested 500,000 new troops, necessitating the creation of this new bill designed to boost troop numbers to counter Russian forces.
Recently, it was reported that President Zelensky has requested his senior military commander, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, to resign, presumably due to disagreements over the required mobilisation numbers.
The revised bill has kept many of the original aspects but modulated them. The provisions concerning the electronic conscription service and penalties for those attempting to evade mobilisation continue to persist. Potential punishments could comprise freezing bank accounts and other assets, alongside travel restrictions. Moreover, it suggests demobilising personnel who have served continuously for 36 months and initiating mobilisation for those on suspended sentences.
The bill, which is now waiting for approval, will subsequently move to parliament for discussion. If passed, it will be directed to President Zelensky for final approval. You can find more information on the revised bill here.