Ukraine Withdraws Controversial Mobilization Bill Amid Criticism

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov insists on the necessity of the bill for the country's defense, while President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlights the financial strain it would impose.

• Ukraine's parliament has withdrawn a contentious mobilization bill that aimed to supply more troops to the war front. The bill was criticized for its draft age reduction from 27 to 25, limiting deferrals for men with slight disabilities, and increasing penalties for draft-dodgers. The bill will be revamped and submitted for government approval in the near future.
• Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that the bill is necessary for the defense of the state and for every soldier currently at the front. He emphasized the need for the bill to be approved as soon as possible.
• The mobilization bill has been politically toxic due to the exhaustion and disillusionment of the Ukrainian public with the ongoing war. The bill has also been criticized for potentially violating the constitution and increasing the risk of corruption.
• Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that the mobilization of an additional 450,000 to 500,000 people would cost Ukraine €12 billion. He highlighted the need for more working people to pay for the additional troops.
• Ukraine's economy is heavily strained by the war, with over a fifth of the country's GDP going towards the war effort. The country is heavily reliant on aid from the EU and the U.S., but this aid is increasingly in question.

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