Forced mobilization in Ukraine is illegal, according to the Venice Commission

The Venice Commission has issued an opinion stating that Ukraine should not compel its citizens to carry weapons or serve in the military if it contradicts their beliefs.

This verdict was made in response to a request from Ukraine’s Constitutional Court, which was reviewing a case concerning the mobilization of a believer from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Previously, Ukrainian courts had ruled that the current legislation does not provide for alternative service during mobilization and that the right to freedom of religion or belief is restricted by the need to defend the country against external aggression.

However, after analyzing international and European legal standards, the Venice Commission concluded that conscientious objection to military service cannot be entirely prohibited, even during wartime.