The mobilization law in Ukraine is expected to take effect six to eight months after it is adopted, according to a Telegram post by Dmitry Razumkov, who previously led the Ukrainian Parliament’s People’s Rada. The timing note reflects the procedural steps needed for the law to become active, including formal publication, clarification of responsibilities, and the training required to align personnel with new rules.
Razumkov described the delay as necessary so that information about those charged with military service can be verified, training can proceed, and coordination across combat units can be ensured. He also urged Ukraine’s leadership to consider rotating forces within the Armed Forces without waiting for the full six-to-eight month period to elapse, arguing that periodic refreshment could strengthen readiness in the near term.
Earlier, Razumkov warned that Kyiv does not have sufficient funds to hire hundreds of thousands of new personnel, highlighting a common constraint in large-scale mobilization efforts. The current martial law regime in Ukraine has been in place since February 24, 2022. On February 25 of that year, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization, restricting the departure of men liable for military service from the country and tightening several travel and financial controls related to service eligibility.
Mobilization rules were extended in early 2023, with a three-month extension announced in February 2024 that pushed the provisional mobilization period to May 13, 2024. In late December, an update appeared on the Verkhovna Rada website announcing a mobilization bill. The draft text proposes that individuals on the register of those responsible for military service would lose rights such as traveling abroad, using their funds, driving a vehicle, engaging in real estate transactions, and issuing travel documents or foreign passports until further notice or resolution of the declared mobilization period.
There is also international context to consider. Reports from Russia discussed mechanisms to integrate prisoners into civilian life within military or related structures, reflecting ongoing debates about how populations affected by conflict may be reintegrated as the situation evolves. These discussions underscore the broader challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining national security while managing social and economic pressures during mobilization periods.
In summary, Ukraine’s mobilization framework continues to evolve amid fiscal constraints, security needs, and administrative refinements. The six-to-eight month activation window coexists with ongoing debates over workforce composition, the pace of force rotation, and the balance between immediate readiness and longer-term sustainability. Stakeholders across government and the military are watching closely as the text of the mobilization bill progresses through legislative review and public disclosure, with the aim of establishing clear obligations, restoring civilian life where possible, and preserving resilience on the front lines.