Ukraine tightens penalties on draft dodging as Zelenskyy signs new law
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has signed a new law that significantly increases fines for evading mobilization and commits other military-related offenses.
The law, set to take effect the day after its official publication, intensifies the crackdown on draft dodging amidst ongoing conflicts.
The newly enacted Law No. 10379 mandates tougher penalties for a range of violations, including failing to adhere to military registration requirements and refusing to undergo medical examinations during conscription. According to the Ukrainian parliament's website, the legislation introduces both increased administrative detention terms and, notably, criminal liability for specific offenses.
Read also: Ukraine needs to mobilize more troops — Secretary Blinken
Under the new law, fines for violations have sharply risen. The minimum penalty now starts at 8,500 hryvnias (about $215), a significant jump from the previous 510 hryvnias ($13). The maximum fine escalates to 204,000 hryvnias (approximately $5,171) from the former cap of 8,500 hryvnias ($215).
Specific fines have been outlined for various infringements: violations of military registration rules will incur fines ranging from 3,400 to 5,100 hryvnias ($86 to $129), while breaches in defense and mobilization legislation will face penalties from 5,100 to 8,500 hryvnias ($129 to $215).
Read also: Recruitment centers to require fresh military registration from 25-year-old Ukrainians
Additionally, the law empowers authorities to detain violators for up to three days and potentially block accounts and seize property if fines are deemed unaffordable, a concern previously voiced by MP Iryna Herashchenko.
This legislation follows closely behind another mobilization bill that was passed by the Verkhovna Rada on May 9 and will come into force on May 18. This bill requires individuals liable for military service to update their data within 60 days, further tightening the country's military mobilization efforts.
Read also: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signs new mobilization bill
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
