The Verkhovna Rada has passed in the second reading a bill on mobilization, from which the provision on demobilization has been removed.

283 members of parliament supported the bill on mobilization. In particular, the most votes came from the “Servant of the People faction” – 192. Zero votes from the “European Solidarity”, and 2 votes from the “Fatherland” party.

At the same time, MPs removed from the document a provision that would have allowed demobilization of servicemen after 36 months of service at the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. 227 parliamentarians voted to remove demobilization from the bill. What the mobilization bill entails Bill No. 10449 introduces changes regarding mobilization and demobilization processes, penalties for evaders, basic military service, deferment rights. It also introduces new obligations for conscripts, motivational norms.

Provisions of the bill that reached the second reading include:

• The provision allowing people with disabilities to be discharged from service remains;

• There is a possibility to be discharged from service after captivity;

• Men recognized as partially fit must undergo re-examination within 12 months;

• Those who received disability groups 2 and 3 after February 24, 2022 (except for servicemen) are subject to re-medical examination to determine fitness for service;

• Servicemen have the right to a 50% compensation of the first installment for a mortgage-secured loan upon signing the first contract;

• Consular services will be limited for men aged 18 to 60 without military registration documents;

• Driving rights for conscripts may also be restricted at the request of the Military Recruitment Office.

Meanwhile, MP Iryna Fryz said that previously approved motivational norms, namely:

• A one-time payment of 70,000 hryvnias to servicemen on “zero”;

• A monthly reward for service specifics of 10,000 hryvnias;

However, committee members agreed to set the payment at the level of the law from 4 to 300 times the subsistence minimum for destroyed (captured) weapons.

Additionally, she said, the “motivational package” includes, among other things:

• The possibility to choose a unit independently for those who sign a contract;

• Additional leave and reward for destroying or capturing enemy weapons or equipment;

• Time spent on childcare leave counts towards military service;

• The main annual leave will be provided by units throughout the calendar year, with the main continuous part being at least 15 calendar days;

• Servicemen and their spouses will not accrue interest on loans, penalties, or fines for non-fulfillment of obligations to banks and other organizations, except for loans for cars and real estate;

• The right, within three months from the date of signing the first contract, to receive a certificate for the purchase of a vehicle worth 150,000 hryvnias;

• One month of service counts as three months for being in combat zones during martial law;

• In case of the need for long-term treatment abroad, it will be possible to undergo a military medical examination remotely, and the corresponding certificate from the military medical board will be the basis for retaining monetary and material support;

• Additional leave of 90 calendar days without division, upon desire, after release from captivity with retention of financial support;

• The amount of one-time financial assistance in case of the death of a serviceman is set at 15 million.

Fryz added that “with certain safeguards, but without violating citizens’ rights,” norms have been established for the care of persons with disabilities of groups 1-3.

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