In a significant policy shift, President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed legislation that abolishes the previous category of 'limited fitness for military service' in Ukraine.

This move aims to address critical personnel shortages within the Ukrainian armed forces amidst ongoing military operations against Russia.

The new law mandates that all men previously classified under this category must undergo a repeated military medical examination by June 5, 2025. Failure to comply may lead to their conscription into military service, raising concerns about the enforcement of the draft.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has stated that any citizen who does not report for the medical examination could face administrative penalties.

These penalties include the possibility of law enforcement forcibly transporting individuals to military recruitment offices.

Viktor Poltorakin, a commander at one of the Zhytomyr military recruitment centers, indicated that non-compliant individuals could also be placed on wanted lists.

Additionally, parliament member Nina Yuzhanina warned that those who do not participate in the medical evaluation after the deadline may be automatically deemed fit for service, complicating their ability to contest such classifications based on health issues.

Reports indicate a noticeable trend of men voluntarily attending their medical reviews, as evidenced by widespread media coverage depicting long queues at military recruitment centers.

Despite this, Fjodor Venislavskiy, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s Defense Committee, acknowledged that a vast majority, after re-evaluation, are likely to be classified as fit for duty.

Dmitry Lazutkin, a representative from the Ministry of Defense, confirmed that approximately 93% of those who have completed their medical evaluations are deemed completely fit for military service or suitable for support roles.

This latest development comes in the context of a nationwide mobilization initiated in February 2022, which has been extended multiple times.

A law passed in May 2022 tightened mobilization measures, eliminating deferment rights for many eligible for military service.

The ongoing conflict with Russia has exacerbated the need for personnel, yet recruitment efforts have faced significant challenges, revealing a critical shortfall within the military ranks acknowledged by officials in Kyiv.

Military recruiters have reported an increase in evasion tactics by eligible men, who are opting to avoid enrollment amid fears of involuntary conscription.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukrainian authorities have implemented extensive measures to ensure that eligible men comply with military service requirements, including conducting raids to detain draft-eligible individuals, regardless of their health status.

The delay in replenishing military forces underscores the pressing issues faced by Ukraine as it navigates its ongoing conflict.