Overview

• President Zelensky has signed laws permitting prisoners to join the army and increasing fines for draft dodgers.
• The new measures come as Ukraine faces significant personnel shortages and a renewed Russian offensive in the northeast.
• The legislation also lowers the draft eligibility age from 27 to 25 and offers financial incentives to soldiers.
• Concerns have been raised about the impact on businesses and essential services due to increased conscription.
• The U.S. has announced an additional $400 million in military aid to support Ukraine's defense efforts.