Ukraine's Parliament enacts sweeping mobilization law amid ongoing conflict

The Ukrainian Parliament passed a law on mobilization on Thursday, setting new rules for recruiting conscripts. The Ukrainian authorities have not disclosed exactly how many new soldiers they plan to mobilize. However, there is no discussion of demobilization, much to the dismay of those who have been on the front lines the longest.

Deputies voted to amend the commission to remove from the law the provision on the demobilization of soldiers after 36 months of service during a defensive war with Russia.

According to Rachmanin, the law's primary goal is to assess the human resources currently available to Ukraine. The law does not define how long mobilized soldiers must serve during the war. This is crucial for the many thousands who joined the army when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. Ukrainian authorities have not disclosed how many new soldiers they plan to mobilize. Moreover, there is no discussion of demobilization, which was anticipated by those on the front lines the longest.

"There are monthly and yearly military needs, but all this is a military secret" - stated Serhij Rachmanin. According to the deputy, the law will enable an assessment of how many people capable of bearing arms are in Ukraine and how many have gone abroad.

It was reported on the Telegram channel Armia.TV that the project introduces new regulations regarding discharge from military service, including after being taken prisoner. The draft abolishes conscription and introduces basic military training lasting five months. It will include individuals up to 25 years of age. All citizens registered for military service must update their data in the system within 60 days.

A mobilized person undergoing training at a military centre will have the status of a recruit. If it turns out that the mobilized person is not suitable for military service and cannot complete the training, they may be discharged from military service.

Radio Liberty reported that the parliament obliged the government to raise the monthly salary of soldiers on the front line to approximately 70,000 hryvnias (£1,400).

The law passed on Thursday implements changes in the current military recruitment system, expanding the authorities' ability to issue military summons via an electronic system. The new law was adopted after months of delay and the submission of thousands of amendments.