On Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament voted on a draft law that changes the rules of military conscription, as Kiev tries to find new personnel to replace already exhausted troops in the fight against Russian aggressors.
The proposal must be signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky before it becomes law.
DON'T MISS IT
Here's what those legal changes entail:
Military records
The law would oblige Ukrainians between the ages of 18 and 60 to notify military authorities of their personal information, so recruitment offices will be able to more easily see who can be mobilized in which region.
Able-bodied men would be required by law to carry a registration document issued by the conscription office at all times.
Recruiting officers would be allowed to ask for the document on the street.
Reduced penalties
People who do not comply with the mobilization rules would be prohibited from driving.
An earlier draft of the law proposed harsh penalties such as freezing assets for such individuals, but this was dropped after public outcry.
A separate bill, which proposes fines for people who avoid the military, passed the first reading.
Demobilization
The bill does not set any time limit for military service, which means that soldiers who have been fighting since the beginning of the invasion, that is, since February 2022, do not yet know when they will be demobilized.
An earlier draft of the law proposed setting a time limit.
Military registration for Ukrainians abroad
Due to the state of war, men of military age are prohibited from going abroad, but there is no procedure for calling up Ukrainian men who are out of state.
However, the new law provides that Ukrainians who need consular services, such as passport renewals, may be required to provide military registration documents.
Benefits for those who voluntarily join the army
The draft law proposes financial benefits for people who voluntarily enlist in the army and sign a military contract.
In particular, these bonuses could include a certificate for the purchase of a vehicle and financial assistance for the first mortgage payments.
Other provisions
The law would abolish mandatory military conscription for adult Ukrainians, which would be replaced by basic military training, starting in September 2025.
One new provision in the draft law would enable military service for people who have been sentenced to probation.
Convicts are currently prohibited from any military service.
After mobilization, all men must undergo mandatory training before being sent to the combat zone.
In some cases, authorities could seize vehicles from citizens and businesses for military purposes.
Bonus video:
