Ukraine may introduce fixed terms of service for military personnel – Knyazhitsky

Mykola Knyazhitsky, a Member of Parliament for “European Solidarity”, spoke about this on Radio NV.

Knyazhitsky stated that he had met with Defence Minister Fedorov, during which the latter briefed representatives of the parliamentary factions on the changes the Ministry of Defence envisages and is preparing.

According to the MP, this involves a system under which Ukrainian military personnel would be required to serve for approximately five years if the war continues.

He clarified that, according to the logic presented, this period would be counted from 2014. Knyazhitsky described these changes as positive, as they are intended to establish clearer terms of service.

Two-year contracts

Separately, according to Knyazhitsky, there are plans to develop a contract system.

He stated that soldiers who do not trust the standard terms of service will be able to sign a two-year contract and be discharged from the army at the end of that period.

Knyazhitsky added that after this, soldiers may be demobilised for a certain period, and subsequently they may be mobilised again. He compared this model to the practice in countries at war.

Changes to units and the coming months

The MP also said that the Ministry of Defence is preparing mechanisms that could allow servicemen to change units.

He noted that, in his opinion, these changes are already being “dragged out a bit”, but what has been promised seems logical.

According to Knyazhitsky, the military and political leadership not only recognises the validity of decisions regarding terms of service but is also preparing mechanisms for their implementation. He suggested that the public may see these changes in the coming months.

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