Ukraine President Signs Controversial Law to Boost Conscription Amid Russian Aggression

On March 15, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a new law to address the pressing need to bolster the country's military forces in the face of continued aggression from Russia. The law, which was passed by the parliament and is set to take effect in a month, aims to facilitate the identification of all eligible men for conscription in Ukraine.

The new law is designed to combat the issue of individuals evading conscription by avoiding contact with the authorities. It introduces measures to make it easier to identify and enlist draft-eligible men, thereby replenishing the depleted forces and strengthening Ukraine's defenses against external threats.

In a bid to incentivize military service, the law offers soldiers various benefits, including cash bonuses and financial assistance for purchasing a house or a car. However, concerns have been raised about the financial feasibility of these incentives, given Ukraine's current economic constraints.

Challenges in the Face of Russian Aggression

Ukraine has been grappling with the challenges posed by Russia's incursion, which has resulted in the occupation of nearly a quarter of the country since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The conflict has left Ukraine in dire need of additional troops and ammunition, raising doubts about the adequacy of Western military aid.

Notably, the enacted law underwent revisions from its original draft, with the removal of a provision for the rotation of troops after 36 months of combat service. However, authorities have assured the public that a separate bill addressing demobilization and rotation will be developed in the coming months, following public outrage over the lack of breaks for soldiers who have been continuously deployed for extended periods.

Plans to increase the military's strength have been previously outlined, with President Zelenskyy expressing the military's aspiration to mobilize up to 500,000 additional troops. Additionally, Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has conducted an evaluation of the military and proposed the rotation of soldiers from rear positions to the front line, although specific figures have not been disclosed.