Ukrainians frequently dodge conscription by claiming disability care

The option for citizens to defer their draft by claiming to care for people with disabilities is a tactic often exploited. Data reveals a surge in disability claims post-invasion, far exceeding pre-war averages.

The relevant information was noted by Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, during a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

“Regrettably, the option of deferring draft for those claiming to care for individuals with disabilities continues to be widely misused. Ministry of Social Policy statistics show the number of individuals claiming disability after the full-scale invasion has skyrocketed compared to pre-war figures,” he stated.

This is among the key mobilization challenges set to be addressed by the committee tomorrow. The MP emphasized its sensitivity and significance, noting the need to prioritize the rights of Ukrainian citizens, particularly the protection of physically handicapped people and other vulnerable groups, while also acknowledging maintaining a delicate balance with national security interests. Additionally, there’s a pressing need to tackle the demobilization or military discharge of service members who have served for two years.

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