Kiev, March 8 (IANS) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to discharge conscripts of compulsory basic military service. The conscripted soldiers, whose term was extended due to martial law, will be transferred to the country’s military reserve in April and May, as reported by the Xinhua news agency. Zelensky mentioned that preparatory procedures are needed to replace people in terms of defence tasks before sending them to the reserve.
“At the request of the military command, a few weeks are needed for preparatory procedures — for replacing people in terms of defence tasks, and from April, the conscripts will be sent to the reserve,” Zelensky said on Telegram. Some of the conscripts have already signed a contract to serve in the defence forces. Ukrainian men aged between 18 and 27, who were called up for compulsory military service, have not participated in the conflict with Russia under the current legislation.
This month, the Ukrainian Parliament is expected to vote on a new mobilization bill. The Ukrainian parliament imposed martial law in the wake of the conflict with Russia on February 24, 2022, and extended it several times since then. The discharge of conscripted soldiers is a part of the ongoing efforts to manage the situation and address the needs of the military during the conflict with Russia.
The decision to discharge conscripts of compulsory basic military service comes as the conflict with Russia continues to escalate, with ongoing tensions and security concerns in the region. The move aims to ensure a strategic approach in managing military resources and addressing the evolving situation effectively. The Ukrainian government is taking steps to reorganize its military forces and adapt to the changing dynamics of the conflict, in line with the country’s national security priorities.
