Ukraine to revamp mobilization exemption system — Ukrainian PM
Source: press conference of Denys Shmyhal
The Ukrainian government is set to overhaul the current mobilization exemption system to prevent Ukrainians from “buying their way out” of military service, said prime minister Denys Shmyhal during a press conference on Tuesday. The goverment will consult with the military to ensure the new system “aligns with national interests”.
Ukraine’s prime minister assured the exemption system will not be “sensational”.
The current exemption criteria focus on critical enterprises, the defense industry, and professions in short supply, along with requirements such as no outstanding tax debts and fair wage levels. The government, though, wants to fine-tune the exemptions’ system by adopting a “fight or work” concept.
It will focus on creating additional jobs, raising wages, and encouraging Ukrainians to return to the country.
Before the war, Ukraine had about 10 million officially employed individuals, but the full-scale invasion has led to the loss of 3.5 million jobs. Shmyhal said the government is working to restore employment levels, which is critical for securing social benefits for pensioners after the war as the limited workforce creates additional strain on the economy and businesses.
Efforts are also underway to reintegrate workers into the formal economy, boost wages, and increase budget revenues.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.
In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.
Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.
Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.