Ukraine passes new mobilization law amid ongoing conflict with Russia
9:23 AM EDT, April 12, 2024
On Thursday, the Ukrainian Parliament approved a new mobilization law, introducing fresh regulations for recruiting conscripts. Ukrainian officials have not disclosed the specifics of how many soldiers will be mobilized. Meanwhile, hopes for demobilization among long-serving front-line soldiers have been dashed.
The legislation was amended to remove the clause allowing soldiers to be demobilized after 36 months of active service during a defensive conflict with Russia.
According to Rachmanin, the law’s main objective is to gauge the human resources Ukraine has at its disposal. It leaves unspecified the duration of service required from mobilized soldiers in wartime. This aspect is crucial for many individuals who joined the military following Russia’s comprehensive invasion. Details on the number of soldiers Ukraine plans to mobilize remain under wraps, and there is still no provision for demobilization—a letdown for those who have been in the battle the longest.
"There are monthly and yearly military requirements, but these details are classified as military secrets," Serhij Rachmanin stated. He emphasized that the law would facilitate an assessment of the potential manpower in Ukraine and the number of people who have moved abroad.
A report on the Telegram channel Armia.TV highlighted that the law introduces new rules for discharging military personnel, including provisions for those taken as prisoners of war. It effectively ends conscription by replacing it with a five-month basic military training program targeting individuals under 25. All citizens registered for military service are required to update their details in the system within 60 days.
Soldiers’ monthly salary set at $1,776
Under the new law, individuals undergoing training at a military center will be classified as recruits. Should it become evident during training that a recruit is unfit for military service or unable to complete the training, they may be released from military duty.
Radio Liberty reported that the legislation mandates the government to increase the monthly wage for soldiers at the front to 70,000 hryvnias ($1,776).
Enacted on Thursday, the law initiates a series of modifications to the existing military recruitment framework, notably enhancing the capability to issue military summons electronically. Its passage follows considerable delays and the submission of thousands of amendments.
