Ukraine's New Conscription Law Aims to Boost Military Ranks
Since June 1, the Ukrainian government, under President Volodymyr Zelensky, has implemented a new law barring male citizens of fighting age who reside abroad from freely leaving the country if they return. The aim of this legislation is to replenish Ukraine's military ranks amid its ongoing war against Russia.
According to Andriï Demchenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian border guards, 'Ukrainian citizens who have left Ukraine for more than three months will no longer be able to be included in the category of persons excluded from the conscript register (...) and are obliged to register with the army within 30 days.' This provision applies to male Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60, and comes on the heels of a recent controversial lowering of the mobilization age limit to 25 years.
Recruitment Efforts and International Responses
The new law aims to force Ukrainian holders of foreign residence permits to stay in the country once they return, a shift from the previous policy allowing them to move freely. This change is intended to address the shortage of both weapons and manpower, a critical need as Russia increases its assaults on the front lines. In mid-May, President Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine lacked sufficient numbers of men, impacting the morale of exhausted troops.
In an additional and somewhat desperate measure, Ukraine has begun recruiting soldiers from its prisons. As of now, 782 prisoners have been released and handed over to the armed forces. Meanwhile, the American embassy in Kyiv has issued warnings to male dual nationals aged 18 to 60, advising them against traveling to Ukraine due to the high 'risk that you will not be allowed to leave the country,' highlighting Ukraine’s non-recognition of dual nationality.
Amid these internal changes, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriï Sybiga called upon China during a visit to Beijing to participate in a summit on peace in Ukraine slated for mid-June in Switzerland. This summit aims to garner broader international support for Ukraine, beyond just Western allies, to enhance pressure on Moscow. Despite initial skepticism from Beijing due to the absence of Russia at the summit, Ukraine remains hopeful in securing China's involvement for a 'just and lasting peace in Ukraine.'
- Ukraine's internal conscription and recruitment measures are crucial steps taken in response to the ongoing conflict's heavy toll on its military. The government is pulling all possible levers to ensure that the country's defense capabilities remain robust in the face of a better-equipped enemy that shows no sign of dwindling in numbers.
- International diplomatic efforts continue, with Ukraine striving to bring more global attention and support to its plight. Engaging countries like China, which has historically been an ally to Russia, signifies Ukraine’s intent to stretch its diplomatic engagements beyond its traditional Western alliances.
