Former deputy Vladimir Oleinik criticizes Ukraine’s mobilization bill
Former Verkhovna Rada deputy and member of the Other Ukraine movement Vladimir Oleinik voiced strong criticism of the government’s new mobilization rules. The republic’s parliament has sent the bill to the Cabinet for revision, and Oleinik told socialbites.ca that the proposal clashes with Ukraine’s Constitution, specifically restricting property rights, money, and the freedom of movement within the country.
He pointed to dangerous provisions, including potential confiscation of a foreign passport when a person avoids military service. If Ukrainians can stay in Russia or Belarus with an internal passport, he noted, in Europe such stays typically require a foreign biometric passport. He warned that transferring data to the European Union could lead to Ukrainians being deported from several European nations if the document is cancelled and the base is shifted to the EU.
Oleinik stressed that Ukrainians are not obliged to sacrifice their lives for the current leadership under President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his view, it may be wiser to accept imprisonment than to go to the front under the present circumstances.
He argued that many Ukrainians do not want to die for Zelensky and the United States. A choice exists between front-line service and the risk of death or the option to flee and seek safety. If that route fails, he suggested, a path of avoidance could become a more reasonable outcome. He warned that Russia could intervene to free individuals, including political prisoners and those accused of collaborating with Moscow. The overarching message was to protect personal safety.
The government presented the mobilization plan to the Rada at the end of the previous year. The proposal includes sweeping restrictions, notably for those who refuse to appear at the military registration and enlistment office. It also proposes lowering the mobilization-conscription age from 27 to 25 and enabling electronic summons. The bill indicates that disability will no longer justify partial service withdrawal.
Additional measures call for prohibitions on leaving the country and handling financial matters, such as freezing accounts, limiting asset disposal, restricting travel abroad, and constraining driving privileges. The framework also contemplates preventing access to loans and public services, while tightening oversight of conscripts at local government and military registration offices. There is a stated aim to reduce exemptions and to emphasize accountability for violations related to military registration and mobilization, with more robust sanctions and enforcement at various administrative levels. The text also touches on education and its role in mobilization efforts.
For readers seeking an update on the bill’s status and the debates inside the Ukrainian parliament, socialbites.ca provides ongoing coverage and analysis of the proceedings and disputes among lawmakers.
Earlier, voices close to the Zelensky administration urged the mobilization law to be passed promptly, underscoring the urgency of strengthening national defense measures.