Roman Kostenko, a member of parliament and secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, spoke about the current discussions regarding changes in the mobilization procedure and potential levers of influence on those avoiding military service.
This is reported by Finway
Possible innovations in the staffing of the Armed Forces
During a conversation with journalist Olena Trybushna, Kostenko outlined that the issue of updating mobilization rules is currently at the stage of aligning positions among the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, the Verkhovna Rada, and the President’s Office. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov emphasizes the need to reduce social tension, but there are discrepancies with the General Staff regarding approaches to forming the reserve of the Armed Forces.
Among the possible changes, the cancellation of deferments, the introduction of clear service terms, additional cash bonuses for signing contracts, and a significant increase in payments for infantry on the front line are being discussed. The topic of involving approximately two million citizens who are wanted by territorial recruitment centers in fulfilling military duty has also been raised.
Restrictions on access to government services and government accountability
According to Kostenko, there is also the idea of restricting access to government electronic services in the “Diia” app for individuals evading mobilization. However, these proposals are currently only at the discussion stage and have not transitioned into legislative initiatives.
“But this is all just at the level of conversations; when they come to us, we say: ‘Well, submit a draft law, and we will consider it.’ Perhaps we will see something like this because we understand that if any changes are made, the government will do it,” Kostenko said.
He emphasized that such innovations must come from the government, and the final decision will be made by the Verkhovna Rada. The deputy stressed that the parliament will consider these issues taking into account state interests, the protection of citizens, and, at the very least, the popularity of the initiators of the changes.