Koretsky: penalties for draft evasion, AWOL must be tightened

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky has called for stricter penalties against those who avoid military service or go AWOL. The employee reservation system has been enhanced, and a relevant resolution has been issued. The effort is being coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy. Koretsky believes the process will now prevent abuses, which were not uncommon previously.

He also stated that penalties for draft evasion and AWOL need to be tightened, mentioning that the Ministry of Defense is finalizing a draft law on the subject. Koretsky added that new rules or a social contract, essentially a mobilization framework, are necessary. All these measures aim to provide soldiers who have been fighting for five years with a clear understanding of when they can be rotated out and return home.

A new social contract on mobilization obligations for businesses is expected to be introduced by December 1. The Ministry of Defense is preparing a mechanism allowing companies to reserve 100% of their employees, provided they fulfill their mobilization obligations by regularly and voluntarily sending a percentage of their workforce for military service.