In a recent interview with Telegraf, Member of Parliament Serhii Nahorniak (Servant of the People) voiced radical proposals concerning mobilization and reservation procedures during martial law. His statements sparked significant debate on social media.
Nahorniak’s key proposal involves canceling all disability certificates for men, except for those awarded to veterans wounded at the front since 2014. The MP claimed that 98% of such certificates were purchased illegally, calling for a one-month voluntary legalization campaign to annul fraudulent documents. He also suggested officially allowing people to pay for exemption from compulsory military service.
Experts point out that many certificates in Ukraine are legitimately granted to people with serious health conditions, making Nahorniak's proposals controversial. The MP also noted that the government and Ministry of Defense are reviewing the lists of currently reserved workers, and that the number of reservation categories will be reduced due to shortages in military personnel.
Economist Oleh Penzyh emphasized that some enterprises must remain reserved to ensure the functioning of the economy and that paid physical exemption should not replace duty to serve. He highlighted that increasing military salaries is a key incentive for recruiting new servicemen.
Nahorniak confirmed that the Ministry of Defense is preparing the mobilization reform and that changes to mobilization and reservation mechanisms may be linked to army needs. Experts underline the importance of adhering to current legislation and social justice principles.
The article also compares Ukrainian and Russian approaches: after failed partial mobilization in 2022, Russia shifted to paid military contracts. In Ukraine, proposals to change mobilization laws are not yet enacted, and authorities are focusing on improving reservation procedures and raising military pay to attract recruits.
