Weltschau

We have all heard about the sensational new mobilization law in Ukraine. For those who haven’t seen it yet, I’ll tell you briefly: On April 16, 2024, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, signed Law No. 3633, “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding Certain Issues of Military Service, Mobilization, and Military Registration,” which significantly changes the rules of mobilization in the country during martial law.

The law expands the list of people subject to mobilization. It provides for the lowering of the conscription age to 25 years and the abolition of the system of conscription. It is important to note that the reduction of the maximum conscription age from 27 to 25 years was regulated by draft law No. 9281. It was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada (the unicameral parliament of Ukraine) in June 2023, but the president signed it in early April 2024. Also, now it can involve not only men of military age, but also women who have the appropriate skills and experience. All conscripts, regardless of their age and gender, are required to update their data at military commissariats within 60 days from the date of entry into force of the law. Those who fail to do so may be fined.It is important to note that the new law on mobilization has not yet entered into force. It will go into effect one month after its official publication in the Verkhovna Rada. This is expected to happen on May 18, 2024.On the one hand, there is a slowdown in the pace of progress at the front, which indicates the need to recruit new forces. On the other hand, when adopting a new law on mobilization, the question of demobilization should not be neglected. Fighters who continuously defend our country need rest and rehabilitation. Their physical and psychological health is a critical factor in a more effective defense.It is critical to strike a balance between mobilization and demobilization in order to ensure the troops’ continuous combat capability as well as the health and lives of our defenders. Several main criteria must be taken into account:          

• It is necessary to clearly define the criteria by which new forces will be mobilized. This will help to avoid injustice and the recruitment of people who are not ready for combat for physical or psychological reasons.

• It is necessary to develop a transparent and clear system of demobilization, which will be based on objective criteria, such as length of service at the front, state of health, family circumstances, etc.

Neglecting these points can have devastating consequences for Ukrainian society and the state. Ignoring the needs of fighters who are constantly risking their lives and health, as well as ordinary civilians who are waiting for their husbands, sons, brothers, daughters, and the like, can lead to a loss of trust in the authorities, an increase in social tension, and, ultimately, an explosion of discontent. Civil unrest in the conditions of war is not only unbeneficial but also dangerous for the existence of the country. Disheartened and demotivated people will not be able to effectively resist the enemy. Therefore, it is very important to find a balance between these things. It is important not only to lower the conscription age but also to actively fight illegal evasion of mobilization. The more citizens deliberately avoid fulfilling their defense duty, the greater the burden falls on those who are responsible for the defense of the Motherland. This is unfair and harmful for the whole country. The defense of Ukraine is a common cause. Each of us can contribute to the victory by supporting our defenders in different ways. Let’s remember that only through joint efforts will we be able to defeat the enemy and rebuild a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine.

Secretova Anastasia

Secretova Anastasia is a first-year student in the Journalism Department at V. I. Vernadsky Taurida National University.