Kyiv, Ukraine – Following nearly two years of serving on the front lines of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Alina’s husband is furious about the new mobilisation law.
The law, which Ukraine’s parliament passed on Thursday after extensive debates and numerous revisions, has caused confusion and concern among Alina’s husband and his fellow servicemen. The provision for demobilisation after 36 months of service was removed, leaving them uncertain about when their service may end – possibly only through disability or death.
“They want to be home to watch their children grow. They are not immortal,” Alina said.
The decision to scrap the demobilisation provision was made due to a severe shortage of servicemen on the front lines, particularly in eastern Ukraine, where the enemy significantly outnumbers Ukrainian forces, according to Joint Forces Commander Yurii Sodol.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has refrained from announcing a formal mobilisation in fear of backlash and protests, focusing instead on the law. The law, which was passed with 283 votes in favor in the 450-member parliament, offers increased pay for front-line service and death benefits for families.
Despite these provisions, critics argue that the law lacks incentives and treats servicemen more like a resource than heroes. The uncertainty surrounding demobilisation has caused distress among veterans and younger soldiers alike.
Servicemen like Taras, who enlisted for three years in 2022, now face an unknown duration of service. The uncertainty has also deterred potential conscripts, who are wary of severe losses, poor conditions, and corruption within the military.
The law aims to modernize the conscription process and combat corruption by introducing an electronic registry. However, concerns remain about the lack of training for conscripts and the prevalence of forced conscription throughout Ukraine.
As men of fighting age face compulsory registration, many are avoiding public places and transportation to evade conscription officials. The fear of being forcibly drafted has become a reality for many in Ukraine as the country grapples with the ongoing conflict.