In a crucial development, Ukraine is navigating discussions on a new draft legislation concerning military mobilization, with assurances that it will not include the conscription of women or introduce a lottery system. Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, Yehor Chernev, addressed concerns in a statement to Ukraine’s public broadcaster, emphasizing the absence of unconstitutional positions in the proposed legislation.
The parliamentary security committee is set to vote on the bill, and Chernev’s comments come amid growing apprehension over changes to rules governing army mobilization. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has contemplated a new draft law as the initial wave of enthusiasm that saw tens of thousands of men volunteering to fight for Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 has diminished over the subsequent 22 months.
The proposed amendments aim to expand Kyiv’s ability to call up more individuals and impose stricter sanctions against draft evasion. However, these changes have encountered public criticism, with the parliament’s human rights commissioner asserting that some aspects of the proposals violate the constitution.
The European Business Association voiced its concerns in a statement, highlighting potential risks of corruption associated with certain provisions in the earlier proposed draft law. As the Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence meticulously reviews these proposals, it faces the task of either approving the changes on Tuesday or sending the bill back to the government for revisions.
Roman Kostenko, the secretary of the National Security Committee, shed light on the comprehensive review process, revealing that discussions involved extensive questioning of top defense ministry and military officials. If the committee endorses the legislation, it will undergo debates and potential modifications through two or three readings in parliament, requiring final approval and the signature of President Zelenskyy to become law.