Ukraine’s Mobilization Debates and Legal Measures Under Martial Law
Recent statements from Egor Chernev, deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, indicate that women will not be mobilized in Ukraine. Channel 24 reported these remarks, which underscore the government’s stance on keeping the draft focused on men of conscription age who are obligated to serve. Chernev stressed that there will be enough male personnel to meet the General Staff’s needs, reflecting a view widely echoed by President Volodymyr Zelensky and a majority of members of parliament who oppose extending mobilization resources to women.
The discourse around mobilization has persisted amid concerns among some sectors of Ukrainian society about the future roles of professionals such as pharmacists and medical workers. Elena Prudnikova, president of the Pharmrada association, noted in September 2023 that a wave of resignations among Ukrainian pharmacists had been observed in anticipation of possible changes in draft policy. There were discussions about women pursuing medical or pharmaceutical specialties potentially facing draft into military service, a scenario that has generated significant public interest and debate as the country navigates its security needs.
Ukraine has operated under martial law since February 24, 2022. The same day, President Zelensky issued a decree declaring general mobilization, which restricted the departure of men subject to military service from the country. The mobilization and martial law regime were extended on November 9 for three additional months, extending the validity until February 14, 2024. This sequence of measures reflected the government’s effort to ensure a capable reserve and to coordinate defense commitments across government agencies during a period of heightened national threat.
By late December, the Verkhovna Rada published a mobilization bill that outlined the authorities and restrictions tied to the process. According to the published document, persons listed in the mobilization register would lose certain rights, including travel abroad, access to financial resources, vehicle operation, and the ability to conduct real estate transactions. The bill also described limitations on issuing documents such as passports and foreign passports, intended to streamline conscription logistics and national defense planning during the crisis period.
In the public record, there had been prior statements from the Rada denying submissions of an updated mobilization bill. The political and legal discourse surrounding mobilization remains active as Ukraine continues to assess its security posture, the manpower needs of the armed forces, and the social and economic implications of expanding or maintaining exemptions and privileges within the mobilization framework. The evolving debate reflects the balancing act between rapid defense requirements and the rights and duties of citizens in a time of ongoing vulnerability.