From Mandatory Service to Core Training: New Mobilization Law in Ukraine

The Supreme Rada has presented a new draft law on mobilization, reports the Russian service of the BBC. This law is aimed at conscripting new soldiers into the Ukrainian army. Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian armed forces had requested an additional mobilization of up to 500,000 Ukrainians.

On January 11, the Rada rejected the previous version of the law, partly because some of its provisions were considered violations of human rights.

As earlier announced by Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense Natalia Kalmykova, the implementation of the bill's provisions is expected to commence within weeks or a month after its adoption.

According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, the new bill:

• Establishes a specific service period during wartime (the Ministry does not specify what this period is).
• Introduces the ability for Ukrainian citizens to independently update their information in the online database of conscripts.
• Requires conscripts to undergo 2-3 months of training before being sent to the frontline after mobilization.
• Eliminates mandatory military service and introduces core military training that will last a maximum of five months. This will apply to Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 24, who will have the option to choose when to begin their training.
• Civilian employees (except for senior officials and heads of territorial communities) will lose their "positions" when conscripted.
• All individuals with disabilities in any group will be exempt from military service.

In addition, as noted by Russian-language media, the new version of the bill on mobilization rules in Ukraine includes restrictions on the rights of those trying to avoid conscription through court actions. The military registration office can petition the court to temporarily restrict conscripts’ rights to travel, drive vehicles, and place a lien on bank accounts and valuables held in banks.