Demobilization and rotation in the Armed Forces: what Venislavsky said about the future of the Ukrainian army
19 February 21:05
Men will be able to travel abroad when demobilization is announced in Ukraine after martial law is lifted. This was stated on February 19 by MP and member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Fedir Venislavsky, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
Venislavsky emphasized that reaching a ceasefire agreement with Russia is not a sufficient basis for lifting martial law in Ukraine. He noted that more significant changes are needed for such a lifting, including the withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied territories and the provision of reliable security guarantees. According to him, the temporary ceasefire does not eliminate the threats that served as the basis for the introduction of martial law.
However, the issue of demobilization and permission for men to travel abroad is directly related to martial law. Venislavsky emphasized that these restrictions will be lifted only after martial law is lifted and in the absence of other legal regimes restricting freedom of movement. He emphasized that the decision on demobilization will be made by the President of Ukraine, who will submit a proposal to the Verkhovna Rada. However, the exact timing of the possible demobilization depends on many factors, including the military situation and the outcome of international negotiations.
“Freedom of movement and free movement outside the country are linked exclusively to the extension or non-extension of the legal regime of martial law,” Venislavsky added.
Venislavsky also touched upon the topic of rotation and mobilization in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He said that mobilization is going on as planned, and no relaxation in this regard is expected. Particular attention is paid to the rotation of personnel to ensure that soldiers on the front line have a chance to rest. Venislavsky noted that the discussion of the draft law on demobilization is ongoing, but its adoption in the next three to four months is unlikely. He explained that the priority is to maintain the army’s combat capability and ensure rotation, not mass dismissal of servicemen.
“We should hardly expect mass dismissal of servicemen from military service even within the next three months,” the MP said.
