In Ukraine, the martial law and mobilization have been extended: how long they will last and who will be called up for service

Ukraine has extended martial law and general mobilization in connection with the ongoing conflict for another three months, commencing on November 16. Consequently, these measures will remain in effect until mid-February 2024.

The relevant bills were approved by the Ukrainian Parliament on November 7. OBOZ.UA provides an overview of the key points regarding the special situation in the country and who will be subject to military service.

MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak announced that the lawmakers supported the extension of martial law and general mobilization.

"The Parliament endorsed laws (#10211 and 10212) related to the extension of martial law and general mobilization. They received 329 and 322 votes in favor, respectively. These measures will be in effect from November 16, 2023, for 90 days, until February 14, 2024. This marks the ninth parliamentary vote on martial law since the start of the conflict," he stated.

To recap: On November 6, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi submitted Decrees No. 10211 and 10212 to the parliament for approval. These decrees proposed extending the mobilization period by 90 days, aligning with the duration of martial law in Ukraine, starting from November 16 after the previous period had concluded.

Following a review by the Ukrainian Parliament Defense Committee, the documents were presented to the MPs for voting. On Tuesday, November 7, both draft laws received support, marking the ninth parliamentary vote on martial law and mobilization since the beginning of the conflict.

Who can be mobilized?

In Ukraine, all men between the ages of 18 and 60 are considered eligible for military service and may be subject to mobilization to defend the nation if they are medically fit for service.

During a general mobilization under martial law, the Defense Forces may call up the following groups:

- Servicemen who have prior experience in the armed forces;

- Reserve officers, reservists, and individuals with military service history;

- Citizens who have not previously undergone military service;

- Citizens with limited physical fitness during martial law.

In times of armed conflict, men with limited physical fitness are often not directly engaged in combat operations; they serve in support or rear units, including those at the frontlines.

Individuals subject to military service may face legal consequences for evading mobilization or engaging in illegal border crossings during martial law.

However, as of October 2023, Ukraine has introduced an electronic register of individuals eligible for military service, making it more challenging for men to evade their obligations. This register aims to streamline the tracking and oversight of conscripts, reservists, and individuals subject to military service.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine clarified that the new personnel policy concept of the department until 2028 does not include the abolition of conscription. As long as the country is at war with Russia, the draft will remain in effect.

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