Ukraine’s controversial mobilization law, which will, among other things, allow for the conscription of prisoners, came into force on Saturday, May 18th, as Kyiv faces the challenge of increasing the number of troops amid a new Russian offensive that threatens Kharkiv, the second-largest city.
The goal of the new law is to simplify the identification of conscripts throughout the country, while also offering new incentives for soldiers, such as monetary bonuses and other types of financial assistance, which some analysts believe Ukraine would have a hard time financing, world media write.
Huge pressure
After months of delay, the mobilization law was finally adopted in mid-April, shortly after Ukraine lowered the age limit for conscription from 27 to 25. The measures underscore the immense pressure placed on Ukraine’s forces during two years of war with Russia as they struggle to hold the front lines amid dwindling troop numbers and shortages of weapons and ammunition.
Initial versions of the mobilization law included provisions for the demobilization of troops after 36 months and the rotation of front-line soldiers after six months. However, Euronews points out, those clauses were removed after Ukraine’s military leadership expressed concern about losing its best-trained and most experienced soldiers.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is working on a special law on demobilization.
On Friday, May 17th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed two additional laws: one allowing prisoners to join the army and the other increasing fivefold the fines for avoiding military service.
Since the war began, Euronews adds, men under the age of 60 have been banned from leaving Ukraine, with the exception of the disabled and those supporting three or more children.
On the other hand, the Associated Press adds, some businessmen fear that their companies will have to close because more than half of the workers will have to be mobilized, Slobodna Evropa reports.
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