President Zelenskiy Delays Draft Law Amid Mounting Military Challenges

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine has deferred signing a draft law proposing an increase in military conscription, a move that has been awaiting his approval since June.

Despite pressure from the military, Zelenskiy seeks a more comprehensive plan tailored to address the nation’s fatigue from an ongoing conflict and readiness for another winter of fighting.

Last week, Zelenskiy requested his government and top military officials to present a more detailed package before proceeding with the approved blueprint, which aims to lower the draft age during war for men with no military experience from 27 to 25.

This delay exposes the challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining its military ranks nearly two years into a conflict described by Zelenskiy’s top general as having settled into a standoff.

Zelenskiy’s hesitation to sign the law is driven by his desire for a clear plan outlining the military’s objectives, deployment strategies for new recruits, and a rotation plan for those engaged in battlefield service for 21 months, according to sources familiar with his thinking.

The president stated, “I expect a more thorough analysis of each of these issues by both the government and the military and concrete proposals” after meeting with military leaders on Friday.

Despite military concerns, the legislation could potentially grant recruitment officers access to an additional 140,000 potential conscripts, according to military estimates

Ukraine’s army chief, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, expressed concerns about existing conscription rules and noted gaps allowing citizens to evade responsibilities.

The average age of a soldier in the Ukrainian army is currently above 40, indicating challenges in recruiting and sustaining forces.

As fighting continues in freezing temperatures, with Russian troops advancing in the east and a standstill in the southern front, resistance to conscription is also surfacing.

Reports from the central Ukrainian city of Poltava indicate a recruitment drive falling significantly short of targets, highlighting growing challenges in maintaining military manpower amid evolving circumstances.