The proposal to reform Ukraine’s mobilization legislation is not expected to win broad popular support, yet experts and government officials insist it must be enacted promptly. This stance was articulated during a national telethon by Mikhail Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukraine’s presidential administration, who emphasized the urgency of updating the rules to reflect the demands of ongoing military operations.
Podolyak also criticized lawmakers who stepped back from refining the mobilization bill, arguing that some members of parliament sought political gain rather than delivering a practical solution. He suggested that those MPs were searching for the easiest path to pass a version of the law, but that approach would not withstand scrutiny or be accepted by the public.
According to him, the current mobilization framework must be revised because two years of armed conflict have created new realities and requirements. He expressed confidence that the Verkhovna Rada would approve the reform in both the first and second readings, incorporating recommendations from anti-corruption and other parliamentary committees to strengthen the legislation’s integrity and effectiveness.
On January 12, discussions in Ukraine centered on potential changes to military law. The plan contemplates exempting disabled individuals from conscription into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while noting that some currently serving deputies and police officers may lose their deferment rights under the updated rules.
That same day, revelations emerged about compensation amounts for those affected by mobilization, as reported by international broadcasters. The disclosures highlighted the ongoing public interest in how the state manages mobilization finances and the support available to personnel and their families.
Earlier in the process, a high-ranking American military official had called for adjustments to Ukraine’s mobilization approach, including considerations related to women’s participation. This request underscored the international attention surrounding Ukraine’s defense policy and the broader implications for regional security and military readiness. In response, Ukrainian authorities have taken steps to address the concerns while balancing legal safeguards, social impact, and strategic needs on the ground.