Demobilization is canceled: The Ministry of Defense offers an unexpected alternative
2 April 08:27
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has proposed a new approach to the rotation of military personnel, which may replace the law on demobilization. This was reported on Radio Liberty by a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, Fedir Venislavsky, according to
Rotation instead of demobilization: what the Ministry of Defense offers
According to Venislavsky, the Ministry of Defense has developed a mechanism that guarantees rest for the military after intensive service.
“A rotation mechanism has been developed: after 90 days of direct participation in combat operations, a person has the right to rest, again, for several months. This is an alternative to dismissal from service or setting clear terms of service,” he explained.
This approach is intended to reduce tension among the soldiers and prevent unauthorized desertions.
According to him, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said that such recommendations have already been developed.
“Since it is impossible to regulate the specifics of combat operations at the level of law, the mechanism will be implemented through a directive, a decision of the Chief of Staff or an order of the Commander-in-Chief,” Venislavsky added.
This will allow the rotation to be implemented quickly without a lengthy legislative process.
Why is demobilization postponed?
The issue of demobilization remains complicated. Venislavsky noted that the adoption of the relevant law in the coming weeks is “a very optimistic scenario.”
“The simultaneous dismissal of a large number of soldiers could have a negative impact on the situation at the front,” he emphasized.
That is why the Ministry of Defense is looking for more flexible solutions that will not weaken the country’s defense capabilities.
Last year, the Verkhovna Rada was considering a draft law on mobilization that contained a provision on clear terms of service. However, the clause on demobilization was excluded, and the Ministry of Defense promised to develop a separate document. The new rotation mechanism was the first step in this direction.
As a reminder, at the end of November 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law that allowed servicemen who went on the AFU for the first time to return to service without being prosecuted. The soldiers had to do so by January 1, 2025.
In early January, this deadline was extended for another two months – until March 1. At the same time, MPs warned that there would be no further extension of the law.
