Ukraine Plans to Strengthen Penalties for Military Service-Eligible Individuals Illegally Leaving the Country During War
According to TSN, the Ukrainian government has submitted Bill No. 13673 to the Verkhovna Rada, but it has not yet entered the review process.
The bill proposes:
- Criminal liability for individuals who illegally cross borders or attempt to leave the country during wartime
- Penalties: fines ranging from 119,000 to 170,000 hryvnias, or up to 3 years in prison
Meanwhile, separate penalties are planned for conscripts, military service obligors, and reservists who overstay abroad:
- Fines of 34,000 to 51,000 hryvnias
- Or imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years
However, a pathway to exemption from punishment is available: voluntary return to Ukraine within the specified period (30–60 days) will exempt individuals from prosecution.
It remains unclear when—or even if—the bill will pass. Relevant committees admit they have not yet conducted detailed analysis, and some lawmakers have indicated the bill is unlikely to be approved.
In reality, if the bill is ultimately passed, some individuals subject to military service may find another way to avoid mobilization—by simply facing criminal charges.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862798633634844/
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