Zelenskyy signs mobilization law: Effective date revealed

Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed the draft law on mobilization No. 10449, according to the website of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament).

On the morning of April 16, the draft law was sent to the President for signature. At 3:43 p.m., Zelenskyy signed it.

According to the rules, the law will come into effect one month after the President’s signature.

The Verkhovna Rada approved the draft law in the second reading on April 11. However, the provision regarding demobilization was excluded from this document.

What law on mobilization provides for

According to the new document, instead of conscription, basic military service will be introduced for a period of 5 months in peacetime and 3 months in wartime. Ukrainians under the age of 24 will be able to choose the year and period of basic service.

Also, basic general military training will be introduced. From 2025, it will become an element of education in educational institutions and will be conducted in universities of all forms of ownership.

To update the data, there will be no need to visit the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support. This can be done online through a personal account or at the center for the provision of administrative services. Citizens who are registered with the military can voluntarily create a personal electronic account of a conscript, a person liable for military service, or a reservist.

The rule on the right to demobilization of people with disabilities, as well as demobilization in connection with the release from captivity (if the serviceman does not express a desire to continue service), remains.

Those recognized as partially fit have to undergo a second military qualification examination.

Servicemen who sign their first contract are entitled to compensation of 50% of the down payment on a loan secured by a mortgage.

Those who received a disability group II – III after February 24, 2022 (except for military personnel) must undergo a second medical examination to determine their fitness for service.

As for consular services abroad, it will be necessary to update personal data in the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support within 60 days. This can be done remotely by e-mail, telephone, or through an e-cabinet.

Restrictions on the right to drive for military service evaders. However, there are exceptions.

When checking documents, an authorized representative of the territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support or a police officer will take photos and videos of the process of presenting and checking documents using technical devices and means of photo and video recording.

It is necessary to have a military registration document with you and show it at the request of a representative of the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support, a police officer, or the State Border Guard Service. It is required for the period of mobilization for all citizens aged 18 to 60 who are registered (or deregistered).