Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signs into law controversial bill on mobilization

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday signed into law a bill on mobilization, making it effective immediately.

The new legislation reduces the mobilization age to 25 and updates conscription notification procedures.

Citizens are deemed informed about military service obligations even if postal notifications fail.

If recipients cannot be reached within 10 days, authorities may involve the police.

The new legislation also imposes transport restrictions on draft dodgers and limits consular services for Ukrainian citizens aged 18-60 abroad without military service documents.

Ukrainians with disabilities must undergo new medical assessments for suitability.

Delay options for military service are restricted, and local authorities are tasked with conscript transportation.

The mandatory demobilization provision after 36 months of service, including half on the front line, was removed from the final document.

The bill was first introduced in parliament in December 2023, and sent for revision due to public discontent. The updated version published on Feb. 6, however, retained the most contentious points.