Rotation instead of demobilization: the Verkhovna Rada revealed details of a new development by the Ministry of Defense

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense once again avoids addressing the issue of demobilization, instead offering an illusory “alternative” in the form of a vague rotation mechanism.

This was stated by Member of Parliament and Defense Committee member of the Verkhovna Rada, Fedir Venislavskyi, on the air of Radio Svoboda.

According to the official, some recommendations have been developed suggesting “several months of rest” after 90 days of combat. However, he did not specify any concrete implementation timelines, nor did he clarify who would be eligible for these measures or when.

“This should be a directive—either a decision by the General Staff or an order from the Commander-in-Chief…” Venislavskyi explained vaguely, effectively shifting responsibility for the lack of decisions onto the top military leadership.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the authorities are once again refusing to define actual service terms or grant soldiers the right to demobilization, replacing it with temporary breaks that may never materialize. This comes amid growing discontent both in society and on the front lines, where soldiers serve without a clear path home.

Previously, Deputy Head of the President’s Office, Pavlo Palisa, also stated that in 2024, the government plans to introduce fixed-term contracts for previously mobilized individuals—again without specifying any timelines. According to him, this is meant to be an “alternative” to demobilization—another attempt to mask the issue rather than solve it.

Last year, the provision for demobilization after 36 months of service was removed entirely from the mobilization bill. At the time, this was justified by the “risk of weakening the front line.” Now, however, it is becoming clear that the authorities have no intention of restoring this right to the troops and continue to keep them at war with no time limit.