Petition on discharging Ukrainian military after 18 months of service gains enough votes for Zelensky’s consideration

The petition for the demobilization of military personnel who have served 18 months since their military call-up has received the necessary number of votes to be considered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

That’s according to the president’s website, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The author and signatories appeal to the president to facilitate an urgent parliamentary vote for Bill No. 9142 proposing that Ukrainian citizens have the right to be discharged 18 months into their call-up unless they are willing to continue military service.

In addition, the draft law proposes that a five-year conscription deferment be granted to those who are demobilized after serving the maximum term during the general mobilization period.

The petition states that the uncertainty about the terms of service leads to the deterioration of the morale and psychological condition of the military as general mobilization has been in place since February 24, 2022. That is, the Ukrainian military personnel have been at the front for more than a year and they get no information as to how much longer they will have to remain there.

The petition was posted March 29. As of today, it has gained over 25,000 signatures.

Currently, Bill No. 9142 is being considered by the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence.