Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Thursday allowing for the discharge of conscripts who joined the army before the war with Russia began in February 2022 and have completed their service, as Kyiv faces difficulties in recruitment. The decree applies to conscripts whose military service was extended beyond the original end date of February 24, 2022, when martial law was declared in response to the Russian invasion, up to the date of the decree's issuance. The authorities did not specify the number of individuals affected.
In his daily address to the nation, Zelensky confirmed that this process will require "a few weeks of preparatory procedures," adding that the discharges will begin "from April." Those affected will join the reserve forces, but they can choose to remain in the army if they wish. President Zelensky noted, "I know that some have already signed a contract to serve in the armed forces," without providing specific figures. The issue of recruitment to replenish exhausted soldiers after two years of conflict has become a sensitive political and social topic in recent months.
