Demobilisation of conscripts: Zelensky signs decree
8 March 2024 09:20
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree to discharge conscripts from military service. This is stated on the website of the President’s Office, Kommersant Ukrainian reports 
Zelenskyy decided to discharge conscripts in April-May 2024 . The law in this regard states that this applies to those servicemen whose service expired during martial law and was extended beyond the established terms.
In his evening address, the President explained why such deadlines for retirement were set. According to him, at the request of the military command, several weeks are needed for preparatory procedures – “to replace people in terms of defence tasks”.
“I know that some of them (conscripts – ed.) have signed a contract to serve in the Defence Forces. I am grateful to everyone,”
– Zelensky added.
The Ministry of Community, Territorial and Infrastructure Development is to ensure that, at the request of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, conscripts are transported “in compliance with safety requirements and that payments for these transportations are made in accordance with current tariffs.”
The decree on the demobilisation of conscripts will come into force on the date of its publication, i.e. 7 March 2024.
On 23 February, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported in its entirety the presidential draft law No. 11035, which sets out the rules for the discharge of conscripts during martiallaw. “319 MPs voted in favour.
The term of service of conscripts was automatically extended for the duration of martial law. Thus, the Verkhovna Rada allowed the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to discharge conscripts into the reserve by decree.
Conscripts whose term of service has expired but who wish to remain will be able to do so by signing a contract. The rest will be demobilised.
A similar provision is contained in the current draft law on mobilisation, which is currently under consideration in parliament. It states that after 36 months of service, a serviceman can submit a request for demobilisation. The period for consideration of the report is one month. However, there is also a provision that “dismissal takes place within the timeframe determined by the Commander-in-Chief’s Office”.
