Ukraine's efforts to enforce military conscription: tracking and mobilization

In Ukraine, efforts are underway to locate men who are evading military service, with the Ministry of Defense employing tools to track citizens who are avoiding conscription. Deputy Minister of Defense Natalia Kalmykova announced that every eligible individual will have to contribute to Ukraine's defense.

Extension of Martial Law and mobilization in Ukraine

On August 17 this year, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law extending martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine, set to remain in effect until November 15, with the possibility of extensions. Notably, women working in medical fields like doctors or pharmacists are also included in the military register.

Deputy Minister of Defense Natalia Kalmykova disclosed during the "Edyne Novyni" marathon that thousands of Ukrainians are avoiding military conscription. Legislative changes are in the works to address this issue and prevent individuals from evading service.

The mobilization primarily applies to Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60, with exemptions for students, individuals with health issues, caregivers of disabled family members, and single parents raising three or more children. Nevertheless, some individuals without contraindications manage to evade conscription, and the Ministry of Defense is developing a draft law to curb such evasion.

"The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has the ability to identify citizens subject to mobilization, even if they are not included in the military electronic records. There are other registers where we can find such a citizen."

She encouraged citizens to voluntarily report to the Military Commissariat for registration, emphasizing that everyone can find a profession in which they want to serve and contribute to the defense of Ukraine.

Soldier rotation: a vital need on the front lines

Amid these developments, Ukrainian military personnel are eagerly awaiting rotation. Many soldiers, who were civilians until February 24, 2022, have been enduring almost two years of frontline combat. To ensure smooth rotation for these soldiers, fellow citizens are being urged to join the military.

However, it's important to note that not all Ukrainians share the sentiment that every citizen should serve on the front lines. Some argue that there is a need for individuals to engage in essential roles such as rebuilding homes, repairing infrastructure, educating children, and providing medical care to the wounded. The opinion is that not everyone must be in the military; those who are motivated and willing should serve, while others can support the nation in other ways, including financial assistance during the war.