Ukraine’s parliament made a significant move by passing a military mobilization bill. The purpose of this bill is to update the legal framework on conscription with the goal of enhancing military mobilization in 2024.
283 MPs voted in favor of the legislation, while 49 MPs from opposition parties chose to abstain. It is important to note that this vote was conducted separately from another legislation that aims to lower the draft age.
The mobilization bill grants the government increased authority to rally society for the war effort and impose penalties on those who dodge the draft. Additionally, local governments and law enforcement are mandated to provide support in facilitating military mobilization.
All fighting-age men must undergo medical examinations and register with draft offices under the bill.
The bill no longer allows soldiers to transition back to civilian life after three years of service, which was the previous practice.
Ukraine’s military is in urgent need of finding additional troops to replenish their combat ranks, establish reserve forces, and provide opportunities for current soldiers to periodically rotate off the front line of combat.
In December, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the military had requested the mobilization of 450,000-500,000 new conscript soldiers.
The bill that was approved on Thursday plays a crucial role in various initiatives aimed at addressing the urgent requirement for enhanced military mobilization in order to protect Ukraine from the ongoing invasion and occupation by Russia.
In April, President Zelensky signed the earlier draft law provisions that were passed separately by parliament.
According to Firsov, the ambiguity surrounding the duration of military service is causing division and demotivation among the military personnel. He argues that without clear guidelines, soldiers may resort to faking illness, going rogue, or sabotaging their service. Firsov believes that the delay in establishing these rules sends a message to the military that they are being deceived and exploited.
According to Ministry of Defense spokesman Dmytro Lazutkin, the current military operational situation necessitates a delay in the demobilization process beyond the initial three-year mark.
