Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhii Koretskyi stated in an interview with the BBC that the Verkhovna Rada will consider an updated draft law providing for stricter liability for draft evasion and unauthorized abandonment of a unit. According to the head of government, the document has been in parliament for a long time, but updates aimed at strengthening sanctions for violators have been introduced. Koretskyi emphasized that the issue of replenishing army ranks remains a priority amid ongoing combat operations.
Business Pressure and Government Reaction
The Prime Minister linked the updating of the bill to growing pressure from business circles. According to him, amid criticism of planned changes to reservation rules, business representatives are increasingly demanding to "deal" with draft evaders and individuals with special military statuses (AWOL). Koretskyi, however, stated that such violations are already in the focus of law enforcement agencies: "What will be done now? A bill that has been in the Rada for a long time has been updated. This bill has been updated, and responsibility will be strengthened," he noted.
Current Sanctions in Place
Currently, both administrative and criminal liability are provided for draft evasion in Ukraine. For violating military registration rules and legislation on defense, mobilization training, and mobilization, a fine ranging from 17,000 to 25,500 hryvnias is established. The updated bill, according to its authors, is intended to expand and tighten the range of possible punishments, although specific figures for the new sanctions have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Military Logic: Losses and Rotation
Justifying the need for tightening, Koretskyi pointed to objective losses in the ranks of the Armed Forces. Some servicemen are incapacitated due to injuries, and cases of missing persons and fatalities are recorded. In addition, the Prime Minister drew attention to the fact that military personnel who have been at the front for many years are in need of planned rotation. Without an influx of new personnel, according to his logic, ensuring the sustainable functioning of combat units will be impossible.
Legal Context: What Happens After Martial Law
At the same time, other assessments are voiced in the legal community. Lawyer Mariia Ganina previously pointed out in a comment to RBC-Ukraine that after the end of martial law, changes in legislation are possible that could mitigate responsibility for draft evasion. Thus, the tightening of sanctions announced by Koretskyi fits into the context of the current martial law, and its long-term fate will depend on further political and legal decisions.
What's Next
At present, the updated bill is awaiting review in the Verkhovna Rada. The final text, specific fine amounts, and prison terms that may be introduced will become known after the document goes through parliamentary procedures. Experts are monitoring how the balance between defense needs and citizens' rights will be reflected in the final version of the law.
