May 18th 2024.
In Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, a controversial law went into effect on Saturday. This law was designed to mobilize more troops for the country's military efforts, as tensions with Russia continue to escalate. Many are concerned about the potential consequences of this law, especially as the conflict threatens to reach Ukraine's second-largest city.
Originally, the law was much stricter, but it was later revised to make it easier to identify potential recruits and offer incentives for joining the military. Some believe that these incentives, which include cash bonuses, housing assistance, and car benefits, may be too costly for the country to sustain. Despite these concerns, the law was finally passed in mid-April, after months of delay and political debate.
This law is just one of the many ways that the war with Russia has taken a toll on Ukraine's military forces. After more than two years of fighting, the country's troops are exhausted and resources are running low. In an effort to address this issue, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed two additional laws on Friday. One of these laws allows prisoners to join the army, while the other increases penalties for those who try to avoid being drafted. These measures were put in place after Russia successfully utilized its own prisoners in the early stages of the conflict.
However, not everyone is in favor of this mobilization law. Oleksii, a 68-year-old car repair shop owner in Kyiv, is worried about the impact it will have on his business. He fears that 70% of his workers will be drafted, leaving him unable to operate and pay taxes. He believes that the law is unfair and unclear, and is concerned about the specialized skills of his employees.
Even essential services, such as heating and utilities, will be affected by the law. Viktor Kaminsky, who oversees a municipal service department in Kyiv, is worried about how he will be able to keep up with demand if many of his workers are drafted. While the law allows essential workers to be exempt from mobilization, Kaminsky is concerned that he will struggle to find replacements for those who are called to serve.
The strain on Ukraine's military forces is evident, as Russia continues to push forward with their ground offensive. President Vladimir Putin has stated that their goal is to create a "buffer zone," but their actions have caused destruction and casualties in cities like Kharkiv. This has put further pressure on Ukraine's already stretched-thin military. In response, the US has offered military aid and support, but it will take time for these resources to reach the front lines.
As a result of the ongoing conflict, many Ukrainian men have fled the country to avoid being drafted. The Supreme Court reported a significant increase in the number of men convicted of draft evasion in 2023. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of men have sought temporary protection in European Union countries, and some have even attempted dangerous crossings of the Tisza River in hopes of escaping the draft. The toll of this conflict is not only felt on the front lines, but also by those who are unable to escape its reach.
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