The Verkhovna Rada may continue to consider mobilization for a very long time

A proposal to tighten mobilization measures has hit a roadblock in the Verkhovna Rada due to the extensive number of amendments, totaling over 4000, introduced by lawmakers during the bill’s second reading. Initial expectations of the bill being discussed in early March have been pushed back, with discussions now potentially stretching into early April and a final vote likely in mid-April.

This marks the government’s second effort to revise mobilization procedures. The initial attempt in January faced significant backlash from the public and internal discord within military and political circles, leading the Cabinet to retract the proposal. However, the latest version of the bill still retains contentious elements, such as conscription from the age of 25 and mandatory registration of conscripts’ electronic accounts, with penalties for non-compliance.

Presently, the bill is under scrutiny by the defense committee. Efforts are underway to expedite its transfer to the session hall, where authors of the numerous amendments will advocate for their proposals. Nevertheless, this process is expected to be protracted, potentially lasting weeks if each amendment undergoes individual consideration. Anonymous sources suggest that the US has issued an ultimatum to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for activation of mobilization efforts. Failure to demonstrate readiness for mobilization could jeopardize American support for weapon transfers.