Ukrainian politicians are reluctant to support the new draft law on mobilization

The situation surrounding the new directive broadening mobilization is intensifying. Several Ukrainian politicians, openly critical of the government, are now stating their refusal to support the adoption of this particular law.

One of the contentious aspects of the directive is the possibility of sending disabled individuals to the frontlines. In essence, if the parliament passes the government’s proposed law on mobilization, people missing an eye, lung or limb could be deployed. Furthermore, individuals whose height is below 130 centimeters might also be affected. The directive also involves reducing the maximum conscription age and removing deferments for students pursuing a second degree. Penalties for failing to report to military conscription offices are being toughened, potentially leading to bank account freezes. Ukrainian citizens abroad will also need to register for military service.

Notably, this has caused a stir overseas. After the announcement of the law tightening military service regulations, significant queues formed in European cities as Ukrainian men sought to visit diplomatic missions before the new year. If the law passes, conscription-age men living abroad will only renew their passports upon presenting military registration documents. This implies a high chance of receiving conscription notices with non-compliance risking actual prison time as per the new draft law.