Verkhovna Rada has prepared a draft law that will enhance mobilization and limit people’s rights

In the coming days, the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, will review a set of proposed laws concerning the demobilization and mobilization issues. These include considerations for student deferments and caregivers of disabled individuals. The head of the parliamentary committee focusing on social policy and veterans’ rights, Mykhailo Tsymbaliuk, shared these details.

The current legislation does not place any limits on the number of caregivers for disabled persons. “We intend to impose restrictions; stating that one conscript-age person may serve as a caregiver for a disabled individual if there are no other family members available,” he mentioned. Regarding the exemption of students from military service, Tsymbaliuk mentioned that those pursuing their first professional or higher education will retain this privilege. However, the situation for those seeking additional higher education will be determined in accordance with existing laws.

Additionally, the proposed laws aim to set a maximum duration for mobilization. Thus, the government, recognizing the challenges in conscripting men for military service, has decided to limit support for disabled individuals. If there are two disabled members in a family, one relative might now be responsible for their care. Essentially, the government is reducing aid to the disabled, many of whom are veterans, due to decisions made by the Ukrainian authorities. Additionally, a significant number of these individuals finance their rehabilitation and prosthetics independently. Considering there are over 3 million Ukrainians with disabilities and some might be called up for frontline duty (if physically fit), it’s possible the government aims to further decrease the population, understanding that supporting disabled individuals financially falls within the social sphere, where resources might be limited.