Despite the ongoing Russian aggression, Ukraine's leadership is looking to release soldiers from the armed forces at the end of their mandatory service. This announcement came after serious discussions on mobilization, demobilization, and rotation at a General Staff meeting, as revealed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in his daily video message.
The focus is on conscripts who were drafted prior to the start of the war. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Olexiy Danilov, revealed that Zelensky has asked the military leadership to demobilize these soldiers. Danilov hinted at early dismissals, while Zelensky himself was more secretive, promising a concrete plan for mobilization within the week.
With around 820,000 Ukrainians currently serving, the military needs to recruit additional troops to allow for some conscripts to be sent home without weakening the frontline. This move is seen as a concession to soldiers who have been fighting since the conflict began 21 months ago. Recent demonstrations by conscripts calling for more rotation to allow for longer recuperation periods have added pressure. However, these dismissals would require a new law to bypass the current martial law restrictions.
Amidst these changes, Ukraine is also exploring recruitment reforms to attract more 18-25-year-olds, offering financial incentives, clear training guarantees, and fostering dialogue between soldiers and commanders. However, these measures have not significantly boosted recruitment or replenished battlefield losses. The conscription system inherited from the Soviet era is seen as a hindrance to progress, and Ukraine is exploring new models to address these challenges.
The Ukrainian defense sector is governed by various laws and regulations, including the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Criminal Procedure Code. Reforms are being reviewed and implemented in collaboration with the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Defense to ensure effective mobilization and recruitment efforts.
[1] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (n.d.). Ukraine Cuts Conscription Age, Sets Up Dialogue With Societies. Retrieved from https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-cut-conscription-age-dialogue-with-society/30987189.00.html
[2] International Peace Information Service. (n.d.). Ukraine. Retrieved from https://ipisresearch.be/country/ukraine
[3] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (n.d.). Ukraine’s New Conscription Law Faces Criticism. Retrieved from https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-conscription-law-criticism/30654422.html
