Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, voiced a tough stance on the issue of combating draft evasion. In an interview with host Nataliya Vlashchenko, he stated that measures against violators must be as severe as the punishment for criminals.
Equating draft dodgers with criminals
Podolyak argued his point by stating that evading military duty is not just a violation of rules, but a legal offense that should be followed by serious consequences. According to him, the word "draft dodger" sounds soft, but in essence, it is a criminal who violates specific laws.
"If a 'draft dodger's' accounts are blocked in Ukraine, then he will be left without the ability to feel comfortable in society. Just like a thief who is caught for offenses, put in prison, and cannot enjoy living in society," emphasized the advisor to the head of state.
When asked if freezing accounts would force a person to register for conscription, Podolyak admitted that this would not work automatically. However, he insists that such a measure is necessary to limit the violator's ability to enjoy the benefits of society.
Package of restrictions: from accounts to driver's licenses
Ukrainian authorities have already prepared draft laws providing for a complex of additional restrictions for citizens evading mobilization. This was reported by military ombudsman Olga Reshetilova. Among the planned measures:
- Freezing of bank accounts;
- Restrictions on the use of driver's licenses;
- Ban on receiving a range of administrative services.
Reshetilova clarified that the relevant documents have not yet been submitted for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada.
Legal nuances of blocking
Lawyer Serhiy Starenkyi commented on the technical details of implementing these measures. He explained that administrative services include services at CNAPs (Centers for Administrative Services), registration of marriage and residence, issuance of foreign passports, and issuance of driver's licenses.
As for banking services, they do not directly relate to administrative ones. However, according to the lawyer, banks may require valid documents for identity verification. If a client does not have a valid passport, the bank has the right to refuse service. A full-scale blocking of accounts will only become possible after the adoption of a special law that explicitly provides for such a mechanism.
