The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has requested that the National Security, Defense, and Intelligence Committee of the Verkhovna Rada postpone the preparation of the draft law on demobilization of military personnel until March 18, 2025.
This was reported by "Ukrainian Truth" citing a source in the parliamentary committee and a letter from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to the committee, which came into the publication's possession. The mentioned letter states that the draft law developed by the defense agency includes, in particular, the establishment of new norms regarding the dismissal and rotation of military personnel who have been performing tasks in combat zones for an extended period.
This document has been sent for approval to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Administration of the State Special Transport Service. The General Staff did not support the draft law. The decision was justified by the fact that the submission of the draft law to the parliament "is only possible if there is a sufficient amount of military-trained resources accumulated on the military account in the TCC and SP and attracting citizens to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in satisfactory volumes."
"According to information provided by the General Staff, if this draft law is implemented, the estimated number of military personnel who will be eligible for dismissal will be 108 thousand (of which 14 thousand are officers), which, if they are dismissed simultaneously, will lead to a significant decrease in the staffing of combat units," Umerov's letter states.
At the same time, it is noted that the Ministry of Defense has developed two alternatives to this draft law. Among other things, it is proposed to provide Ukrainian defenders who have continuously served for 36 months during martial law and participated in combat operations for at least 18 months in those areas with a rehabilitation period of up to two months. After this period, it is envisaged to grant an additional one-time leave of 30 days while maintaining monthly monetary support.
Additionally, alternative options propose granting an additional one-time leave of 90 days with the retention of monthly monetary support. Commanders are also suggested to be obligated to rotate soldiers who have directly participated in combat operations for 90 days.
"The specified alternative draft laws require detailed discussion and the adoption of a corresponding decision at the level of the state leadership. In light of the above, we request to postpone the deadlines for the task defined in subparagraph 1.40 of Plan 3633-IX (referring to the development of a draft law on demobilization conditions – U.P.) until March 18, 2025," the letter states.
Demobilization of Military Personnel
Petro Kuzik, commander of the "Svoboda" battalion of the "Rubizh" Assault Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, advocates for the demobilization of at least some categories of fighters. He noted that the units engaged on the front lines have the right to rest.
At the same time, former platoon commander of the "Aidar" battalion, Yevhen Dykyi, emphasizes that before passing a demobilization law, it is essential to ensure reserves for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Simply setting a maximum service term is "suicide," he believes.