Ukraine releases new divisive law against Russian offenses

Ukrainian front-line soldiers monitor Russian offenses. Pic/Getty Images

A divisive mobilisation law in Ukraine came into force on Saturday, as Kyiv struggled to boost its troop numbers, after Russia's recent offensive, which some also fear is an emerging threat to Ukraine's second-largest city. The legislation, which was watered down from its original draft, will make it easier to identify every conscript in the country. It also provides incentives to soldiers, such as cash bonuses or money toward buying a house or car, that some analysts say Ukraine cannot afford.

Lawmakers dragged their feet for months and only passed the law in mid-April, a week after Ukraine lowered the age for men who can be drafted from 27 to 25. The measures reflect the growing impact that more than two years of war with Russia has had on Ukraine's forces, who are trying to hold the front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also allowed prisoners to join the army and increased fines for draft dodgers.

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