The Ukrainian authorities have submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on changing the rules of mobilization, military registration and service. The corresponding document was published on the parliament’s website.
According to the text of the explanatory note, the amendments will make it possible to “improve” mobilization and military registration, as well as to call up more Ukrainian citizens to fight in the war with Russia. The bill suggests that people will be called up for military service not up to 27, but up to 25 years of age. Citizens over this age will already be subject to mobilization.
The document specifies the grounds for a deferment from mobilization. Thus, they received the right to a deferment people with group I or II disabilities, temporarily unfit for service due to health reasons, pregnant women and women on maternity leave, as well as currentpeople's deputies of Ukraine and deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea.
In addition to them, those who receive higher or secondary technical education on full-time or dual courses, work in higher educational institutions and scientific institutes and have an academic title or scientific degree will also have the right to a deferment. Teachers and other research workers will also be able to receive a deferment, provided that they work full time.
Those liable for military service who served during martial law and were transferred to the reserve, as well as those released from captivity, are not subject to mobilization for two years from the date of dismissal from military service. They will be able to be brought back into service only by voluntary consent.
Amendments to the legislation provide for the introduction of electronic reporting on cases of persons liable for military service. In particular, citizens will be required to register in the electronic account of conscripts, military personnel and reservists, through which the authorities will be able to send electronic summonses. In addition to the conscript's office, summonses will be able to be sent by e-mail.
If the bill is adopted, the powers to ensure the organization of conscription of citizens will also fall on local governments — village, town and city councils. In particular, they will have to notify those liable for military service and ensure their arrival at assembly points and military units.
Citizens who are registered with the military will be required to update their military registration data: residential address, contact phone number, email. If the person liable for military service is abroad, it will be possible to provide current data remotely — by notification to the official email address or official phone number, which are listed on the website TCC at the place of military registration.
The amendments also introduce significant restrictions for those who evade mobilization. In particular, in addition to the ban on leaving the country, it is proposed to limit the right of draft dodgers to drive vehicles and obtain a driver’s license, to dispose of funds and other valuables. They will also be prohibited from conducting transactions with movable and immovable property, will cease to provide services and benefits from the state, and will be able to refuse to receive credits and loans.
At the same time, the Ukrainian authorities also proposed to tighten liability for evasion of military service. As part of the innovations, it is proposed to increase the amount of the fine for violating the legislation on military service from 34 to 85 thousand hryvnia, in the conditions of «special period» — from 153 to 204 thousand hryvnia. The sentence for refusing to undergo a military medical commission is proposed to be increased from three to five years in prison.