Ukraine’s parliament has passed a law to streamline its military conscription process and replace depleted manpower along the frontlines in its war with Russia. The law follows revelations from the Ukrainian military in December of the need to mobilize an additional 500,000 soldiers. However, this figure has been revised down slightly following adjustments for rotational shifts at the front.
The new conscription law has already been met with resistance. Ukrainian parliament members delayed its passage for months, fearing public backlash over forcing more of the country’s men into military service. Additionally, it appears that a critical provision stipulating the rotation of servicemen after 36 months of combat was removed, causing confusion among some lawmakers who had backed the bill’s passage.
Throughout its conflict with Russia, the Ukrainian military has struggled with a lack of well-trained recruits to replenish losses on the frontlines. By dropping the rotation provision, lawmakers and military leaders hope to keep veteran soldiers engaged in combat zones for longer periods.
The new law also broadens the Ukrainian government‘s power to issue draft notices electronically. This move is seen as necessary to sustain Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and rush additional manpower to the front during intense Russian offensive actions.
In addition to the new conscription measures, the Ukrainian parliament’s defense committee has asked the Defense Ministry to submit plans for the demobilization of military personnel within eight months.
