Ukraine’s parliament has approved a new bill to revamp the military draft system in an effort to increase the number of soldiers, following Russia’s invasion over two years ago.
The bill, supported by the armed forces, eliminates harsh penalties for draft evasion that had caused public outcry.
Prior to the bill’s approval, a general informed parliament that Russia has a significant military advantage over Ukraine in the eastern battlefields.
General Yuriy Sodol assured lawmakers that passing the law would strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces and protect the nation.
Amidst applause from commanders, Sodol emphasized the urgent need to address manpower shortages and artillery deficiencies as Russian forces advance.
The bill was passed with a majority vote in parliament and now awaits President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s signature to become law.
Ukrainian soldiers of the 71st Jaeger Brigade fire a M101 howitzer towards Russian positions at a front line near Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region [File: Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo]
Draft-dodging penalties removed
The new law aims to streamline the military’s recruitment process and improve accuracy in identifying potential conscripts.
It grants Ukrainian men a 60-day window to update their information with military authorities, replacing outdated and incomplete data previously used by draft offices.
Additionally, the bill eliminates severe penalties for draft evasion, paving the way for a more efficient and effective mobilization process.
Link from www.aljazeera.com