The Ukrainian law on tightening mobilization is «monstrous» and destroys the rights of Ukrainian citizens. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, during a briefing on April 18.

«On April 16, [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky signed an inhumane law, monstrous from the point of view of people in Ukraine, on tightening mobilization, which destroys the rights of Ukrainians,» the diplomat stressed.

She recalled that, according to the document, all military personnel who are in Ukraine or abroad must update their personal data at the territorial recruitment centers (TCCs) by mid-July. Ukrainians who will be affected by this will obviously not voluntarily enlist in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) for guaranteed death, Zakharova is convinced.

«Zelensky sends them to certain death, everyone understands that. Even his closest supporters understand this,» she added, noting that the law does not set deadlines for demobilization and opens the way for conscription even for the disabled.

The representative of the Foreign Ministry noted that «kilometer-long queues of frightened citizens» formed at Ukrainian embassies abroad. According to her, they are storming diplomatic missions in order to have time to update their passports before the law comes into force and not return to their homeland.

«I want to say what they are afraid to say in Ukraine. <…>. This is just the beginning. Zelensky has just begun the final phase, which is called «finishing off the American citizens of Ukraine.» Unfortunately, it will be even worse,» Zakharova concluded.

On April 16, Zelensky signed a law on tightening mobilization in the country, which will come into force on May 16. The document toughens penalties for evasion and clarifies the categories of persons to be mobilized. It does not provide for provisions on demobilization.

Since the beginning of April, Zelensky has also introduced a number of other norms related to mobilization in the country: he abolished the status of limited military service, lowered the age of mobilization from 27 to 25 years and signed a law on the creation of an electronic register of military service. According to a survey by Info Sapiens agency, half of Ukrainians believe that mobilization is going in the wrong direction.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is preparing a new policy regarding Ukrainians who are currently abroad. According to the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Kuleba, strategies have already been prepared, which will be shown to the president later.

Martial law in Ukraine has been in effect since February 2022. At the same time, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization. Later, the Verkhovna Rada repeatedly extended its validity. Most men between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.