The legislation requires all men between 18 and 60 to register with the armed forces, but contains no provision for demobilizing soldiers who have spent long periods fighting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a controversial law, days after it was passed by parliament, potentially helping Kyiv to boost conscription to replenish depleted forces to fend off

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed into law a bill overhauling army mobilisation rules, according to the parliamentary website, as Ukraine seeks to address acute troop shortages in its fight against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a controversial law that potentially helps Kyiv boost conscription to replenish depleted forces.

Kyiv brings in higher payments for volunteers and new punishments for draft dodgers. Ukraine said it had identified almost 37,000 people, including military personnel, who are unaccounted for since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Law obliges men to update their draft data, increases payments to volunteers and adds new punishments for draft dodging.

The parliamentary website in Ukraine said that President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Apr 16) signed into law a bill overhauling army mobilisation rules. This comes as Ukraine's issue of acute troop shortages and risks of collapsing under Russia's onslaught without support from the United States.