In Ukraine, after two years of war, the army needs new recruits, according to President Zelensky: half a million additional soldiers. In order to find them, the government wants to pass a bill on mobilization but it is not unanimous, except in the Ukrainian Parliament which has just approved it at first reading.
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With our correspondent in kyiv, Emmanuelle Chaze
This is a first step towards a new law on military mobilization, the Ukrainian Parliament voted on Wednesday February 7 in first reading in favor of a project which should, after amendments, vote in 2nd reading and face-to-face signature, simplify the terms of enlistment for those who can be mobilized, but also introduce sanctions for those who try to escape their military obligations.
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This bill is supposed to allow the army to replenish its ranks, two years after the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, it would replace the conscription of 18-24 year olds in replacing it with compulsory military training for all, lasting 5 months to be carried out when citizens wish.
But this project divides within the political class and Ukrainian society. Although it provides for clearer provisions on permissions granted to soldiers, voices are being raised to denounce, among other things, the lack of clarity, particularly on the question of the demobilization of those who have been fighting for two years now.
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