Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a controversial law aimed at boosting conscription to replenish depleted forces in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. The law, passed by parliament and set to take effect in a month, is designed to make it easier to identify draft-eligible men across the country, many of whom have evaded conscription by avoiding authorities.
In addition to streamlining the conscription process, the law offers incentives to soldiers, including cash bonuses and financial assistance for purchasing homes or cars. However, concerns have been raised about Ukraine's ability to afford these incentives amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Since the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, Ukraine has lost significant territory and is in urgent need of additional troops and ammunition. The country's plea for Western military aid has faced uncertainty, further highlighting the importance of bolstering its own forces.
While the signed law falls short of initially proposed measures, such as rotating out troops after 36 months of combat, authorities have assured that a separate bill addressing demobilization and rotation will be introduced in the near future. This delay has sparked public outrage among Ukrainians with family members serving on the front lines without respite.
The current intensity of the conflict has left soldiers exhausted and unable to take breaks from their front-line duties. Ukraine already faces a shortage of trained fighters, and demobilizing experienced troops could further weaken its defense capabilities.
In response to the crisis, President Zelenskyy previously announced plans to mobilize up to 500,000 additional troops. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has conducted a military audit and hinted at the possibility of rotating soldiers from rear positions to the front lines, although the revised number of troops needed has not been disclosed.
